Richt: Dismissing Mettenberger was ‘tough’ | TigerFan.com

red55 · Jun 3, 2011

Richt: Dismissing Mettenberger was

DESTIN, Fla. — Dismissing Zach Mettenberger from his team was an exceptionally tough situation for Mark Richt, but the Georgia coach still has high praise for the LSU quarterback’s character and abilities.

“It was very difficult,” Richt said Wednesday while attending the Southeastern Conference Spring Meeting. “I think they (the Mettenberger family) all know I love Zach and love their family.

“I’m very excited for him and his opportunity to be at LSU, and his chance to realize all the dreams he’s ever had.”

Richt sent Mettenberger packing in April 2010 after he faced a battery of charges stemming from a March 7, 2010, incident at a bar in Remerton, Ga., just outside Valdosta. Mettenberger pleaded guilty on May 3, 2010, to sexual battery for fondling a 20-year-old female Valdosta State student.

Before the incident, Mettenberger was battling then fellow Georgia freshman Aaron Murray to be the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback.

Mettenberger’s mother, Tammy, works in the Georgia football office.

A sophomore, Mettenberger enrolled at LSU in January and took part in spring practice, emerging as the likely backup to senior Jordan Jefferson. He issued a public apology last year but has been off limits to the media since coming to LSU.

Richt said the incident hasn’t tainted his impression of Mettenberger as a person.

“He’s very intelligent, very talented. I think he’s a great kid,” Richt said. “I think he had an episode where he had some bad judgment — like a lot of us have had over our lifetimes — and I think he’s learned from it.

“I’d let him baby-sit my kids, if that helps.”
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