Nov. 15, 2005
Statement from Director of Athletics Dave Braine in response to the ruling by Fulton County Superior Court Judge M. Gino Brogdon, Jr., that Reuben Houston must be allowed to play football for Georgia Tech.
“Naturally we will comply with the judge’s ruling, but the Institute intends to explore all legal options, including appeals.
“I feel compelled to say that this decision will send shockwaves through college athletics programs around the country. Playing college football, especially at a school like Georgia Tech, is a privilege, not a right. We must be able to set standards of conduct for our student-athletes, and we must be able to enforce and maintain discipline.
“The ideals that Georgia Tech stands for and the proud heritage of this Institute are bigger than any one individual. And that has nothing to do with the young man himself because we feel that he has handled the situation as best as he could. He has taken responsibility for his actions and tried to do the right things.
“Throughout this process, Chan Gailey has left the decisions to the Institute and the legal system.”
Head Coach Chan Gailey:
“First, there will be an evaluation of where he is physically and mentally. My responsibility in this whole thing is to treat him like any other student-athlete on the football team, and that’s what I’ll do. If he’s good enough, he’ll play; if he’s not, he won’t. He’s on the team, and I’m going to treat him just like every other team member.”
