Tara Davis transfers from Georgia

Track life wrote:

“Tara should be thankful that the NCAA is merciful and isn't making her pay back the first semester of school she got for free, without doing anything to earn it”

I can appreciate well thought out points, but then there are views like these.

All views or questions are welcome.

Tara’s Dad

How is it fair for Tara to accept free tuition (and free coaching by the best coach in the nation) for a semester without competing to earn it?

Do you realize that competing in collegiate track and field is a privilege, not a right?

Do you understand that Tara signed an NLI and scholarship agreement and that by transferring now she is violating the contract?

Texas is a plane ride from California just like Georgia. If she needs to be closer to family and that is her rationale for transferring, that doesn’t help nor does her demand to compete immediately. She should take the year off to work through her issues.

Tara is originally from Texas and all her family is in Texas outside of her mother who lives California.

Reason why UCLA, USC, TCU, Texas, and Texas A&M are considered.

steve dildarian wrote:

steve dildarian wrote:

Can someone explain to me why they think the Georgia coach should grant the exemption for this athlete to compete for another school immediately?

Still curious.

It's commonly referred to as "bad press".

This particular forum draws plenty of attention in the track universe. The Tara thread will constantly be bumped for at least another year if she sits. Flotrack and T and F news will update as well. Petros shot himself in the foot with the Texas announcement. It makes him out to be a bitter, juvenile person.

Fair???? Violating a contract??

Mental well being overrides your attempt to make this about fulfilling an obligation that has no negotiation.

This is why the transfer rules are in place. Tara is not asking for anything that is not allowed under certain conditions.

Opinion is appreciated just not agreed with.

Track life wrote:

Tara is originally from Texas and all her family is in Texas outside of her mother who lives California.

Reason why UCLA, USC, TCU, Texas, and Texas A&M are considered.

Then why didn’t she chose one of those schools instead of Georgia? I feel for a young athlete having to sit out a season, but she should’ve transferred after last outdoor season or finished up the year at Georgia and then transfer after this season

Why did she go to Georgia in the first place? Did she not want to be close to family last year? Who does she want to be closest to?

Track life wrote:

Fair???? Violating a contract??

Mental well being overrides your attempt to make this about fulfilling an obligation that has no negotiation.

This is why the transfer rules are in place. Tara is not asking for anything that is not allowed under certain conditions.

Opinion is appreciated just not agreed with.

She happily took the money and left before doing what she was paid to do. She took an opportunity (and money) away from someone else.

She can still transfer, she has to wait. Georgia is not damaging her mental well-being. Sounds like she has a lot to learn about patience (she's not even 20 and is already engaged), this wait might be the best thing that ever happens to her.

Always hard to predict the future. As a family we made the decision that Georgia was a great fit. Some uncontrollable things have happened and the relationship soured and the immediate support needed was too far away.

Remember this is an athlete that has traveled the globe on different USA teams. So being mentally strong is not an issue. It had to take a lot to have her make this decision.

Giving too much detail opens the door for more criticism. I understand not knowing everything leaves people to assume.

We only ask for support for a 19 year young lady making some difficult life choices.

WOW.

This sounds like it has hurt you personally.

I’ll make sure I ask Tara about being engaged. News to me.

Track life wrote:

Always hard to predict the future. As a family we made the decision that Georgia was a great fit. Some uncontrollable things have happened and the relationship soured and the immediate support needed was too far away.

Remember this is an athlete that has traveled the globe on different USA teams. So being mentally strong is not an issue. It had to take a lot to have her make this decision.

Giving too much detail opens the door for more criticism. I understand not knowing everything leaves people to assume.

We only ask for support for a 19 year young lady making some difficult life choices.

The relationship soured? Her and Petros? Provide more details.

Mom and California were home for high school but now that Floreal is at Texas, that is the place where the real support group is. Mom is out. If she isn't headed there for running or in an effort to go pro, then just sit out the year. No big deal. Compete at some unattached meets and the US champs.

Track life wrote:

The tweet by the coach is separate from all of this, but it should show a certain behavior that could have possibly sparked the move.

Being released is a decision by the University based on circumstances. I think Tara presented to the University multiple valid reasons why she wanted to transfer in her appeal. She just updated everyone through social media and asked for support as she goes through this stressful process.

This sounds fishy. Cryptic suggestion that Petros' behavior made Tara want to transfer. I want to hear more about what might have happened.

The best coaches set a high standard, and will not settle for anything less. Petros will ride you really hard to get you there - not because he is mean but rather because he knows what you can accomplish when you also hold yourself to that standard. Some athletes would rather just rely on their talent rather than put in the hard work necessary to be the best.

The soft athletes quit or transfer, the tough ones win Bowermans and countless national championships. Not saying this is what happened to Tara, but hopefully we'll get some info on the real reasons Tara is transferring.

Hey TTH, have you ever heard of a buyout?

What a load of archaic stupid b*llsh*t justificationism.

Wake up and get modern.

Her reason is that she wants the best opportunity to go pro.

It is the same wrote:

Hey TTH, have you ever heard of a buyout?

Sure.....and sit out a year.

I've heard straight from Floreal that Tara has already signed with Texas. She's just creating drama to get more social media followers.

in the know in texas wrote:

I've heard straight from Floreal that Tara has already signed with Texas. She's just creating drama to get more social media followers.

"The coach acted stupidly." -Obama

If Petros hadn't punched below the belt by announcing Texas as the gaining university, there would be no story here. I'd rather hear about "The Four Horsemen of the Decathlon Apocalypse" that he's about to unchain.