10 MAR 03: UG-HHHHH!-A

Couldn't help noticing tonight that members of the University of Georgia Alumni Association answered phones during GPTV pledge breaks. How many Georgia Tech grads called just to say two words: "Jim Harrick" ?!

(And they were answering phones during lectures on money by Suzie Orman. What was her first law again - to be TRUTHFUL about your finances?!?!)

The University of Georgia men's basketball team disqualified itself from all post-season tournaments, amid allegations that coach Jim Harrick paid money to players. Well, maybe we shouldn't say ALL post-season tournaments. They could get together with St. Bonaventure and Michigan....

Curiously, Jim Harrick's son was fired from the UGA staff a few days ago - but the head coach officially is "suspended" for now. Some alums probably are ready to suspend him, too. From the highest tree in Athens....

Jim Harrick's main accuser is former Georgia basketball player Tony Cole. Cole was charged with rape, but was acquitted. Now a Georgia judge has an arrest warrant out, because Cole may have bounced a rent check. So?! Basketball players bounce things all the time....

But wait, there's more! Three Georgia basketball players reportedly took a "phony class." For most college students in good shape, this could have been any physical education course.

Great basketball trivia question: who did Jim Harrick replace at Georgia? The answer is the forgettable Ron Jirsa - who was fired after two winning seasons, and two appearances in the N.I.T. Maybe UGA now will return to an old, washed-up concept: winning, but NOT at any cost.

Thankfully, the Columbus State men's basketball team is above board. It won the Peach Belt conference title, and now hopes to host a Division Two regional. Coach Herb Greene said his team was "ready for the next level...." So when are they playing the N.B.D.L. Riverdragons?