TWO BITS: Brantley’s ‘stache, McGarity thoughts

1 » Florida Gators redshirt junior starting quarterback John Brantley seemingly stunned the media Saturday…by having grown a mustache. All joking aside, Brantley apparently decided to do so as a tribute to two former Florida quarterbacks – his father John Brantley III and his high school coach Kerwin Bell. As to whether or not it will be a permanent fixture in his look? “I’m not sure yet. Everyone is doubting me, so I might do it for that reason. They say I won’t keep it, so I might just because of that,” he said.

2 » Georgia’s hiring of former Florida executive senior associate director of athletics Greg McGarity as their new athletic director was not much of a surprise to anyone, especially considering McGarity’s pedigree, experience and talent. A few of the Gators’ most prominent names provided their thoughts about the McGarity hire in an official release from the University of Florida.

Athletic director Jeremy Foley: “I’m happy for Greg and his family. It’s been a dream of his to be an athletic director and all of his hard work has paid off. Greg has been an invaluable asset to our organization over the years. He has been involved in the day to day operations of our department and has been by my side every step of the way – from hiring coaches, to budgets, facility planning and event management, he has been a key component of our success. Greg is extremely loyal and has great vision for the future. More than anything Greg is one of my most trusted and closest friends. He has meant much more to me than an employee. Greg is family and we wish him the very best.”

Head football coach Urban Meyer: “Greg has been a tremendous asset to me and our football program in my time at Florida. I remember first meeting Greg when Jeremy flew out to talk to me about the Florida job. He was involved in every discussion with Jeremy and our family and I could tell right away that Greg played a pivotal role in the athletic department. I could also see that his relationship with Jeremy and others in the athletic department went beyond the professional level. He was very well liked and respected among his co-workers. Greg always found a way to get things done, but he did it in a very personable manner.”

Head basketball coach Billy Donovan: “I’m elated for Greg and his family that he is getting a chance to not only direct a first-class athletic department, but in essence, to go home. I’ve known Greg for 15 years, he was involved in my hiring at Florida, and has been someone I’ve always had great respect and admiration for. I echo the sentiments of everyone here in wishing he and his family the best in Athens and we will certainly all miss him. Georgia has made a fantastic hire.”

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