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Difference between an excuse and a reason?
tfk_fanboy
Posts: 2,821 ✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
Another article prompted this but in the comments there was someone talking about UGA's loss to Texas. They were discrediting the win because UGA was not motivated and therefor Texas's win isn't as valid. Now, my thoughts on this apply to pretty much every facet of life, not just the the Sugar Bowl
I know of this will be come down to semantics and context so it is a general rule, not a hard line
An excuse to me is a failure. It means you had shortcomings that were in your control and you messed up. UGA not being motivated is an example. You losing and then saying it is because you did not give 100%. Well, the other team showed up to play. They are not responsible for you giving 100%. Using that excuse is embarrassing, shows a lack of class and respect, and it is done in a way to cheapen the other team's victory. Again, this can apply to almost anything in life and on an individual level.
A reason to me is completely different. It is something outside of your control. It has validity. Say the team gets the flu or food poisoning the night before. A thunderstorm stops a high scoring, back and forth game, where the opponent happened to have the ball last and they get the win. Whatever. But you did your best and circumstances outside of your control interfered. This does not cheapen the opponents win, shows more class and respect, and something that is understandable.
I do not think this a a "kids today" thing as there have always been excuses for personal laziness and shortcomings. And it does not mean you can't bring up the fact that UGA was not playing their best. But I think it should be said in a way to criticize UGA and not disrespect Texas. Again, just an example and the onus for my rambling. I am a few days away from getting married and about to be done with work for a couple of weeks so killing time. Thanks for coming to my Tedx talk
Comments
Great post. And there are differences between reasons and excuses.
Texas beat Georgia - whether someone wants to call them reasons or excuses - who cares.
The problem with sports - regardless if there are legitimate reasons - it always comes out as excuses.
When coaches are in the safe environment of their meeting rooms or locker rooms - they can discuss legitimate reasons why they lost a game. But anything said to the media or general public will always come out as excuses.
Georgia simply didn't control controllables.
i think Kirby agrees with you and took that loss upon himself. The whole “do more” theme is the message of 2019.
Maybe it’ll be the catalyst for a memorable and (hopeful) championship season
Sooo it’s not too late, don’t do it.😁
A reason garners support for your theory, an excuse only pleases the individual making it.
I agree for the most part. Any attempts to justify the losses to Texas or Bama last year are excuses. However, I'll be long cold in my grave before I believe the NC game loss was for any REASON other than epically horrific officiating.
I’ve always thought that there was a third category of an “explanation”. An explanation explains why the failure took place, but doesn’t excuse it taking place. If you’re really busy and forget to do something that you really needed to, it’s not excused because you were busy, but it is understandable. There are still consequences, but it’s different than just forgetting for no reason at all.
So, what did you forget to do for your wife? I'm not interested in hearing the consequences.
haha! I forget stuff all the time in all facets of my life.
Going further though, I don’t excuse the Texas loss, but I think people are letting that affect their opinions of UGA as a program, and I think that’s foolish. You see all these predictions of FL beating us this year—I don’t think that’s as popular without that loss.
Agree
Don't remember anyone on here believing we were better in 18 than 17.
And yes, Georgia was more talented than Texas - but didn't play well.
Everyone on here knows about our pressure numbers - and most understand why.
What's confusing to me is why you continue to post here. What's your agenda?
You obviously spend a lot of time reading and researching but your overall knowledge and comprehension of what you read is severely lacking.
I can get behind this. Like an excuse you take responsibility for
I can count my downvotes on one hand during my entire 2.5 years on this forum but I just had to give you one for such an AWFUL take. UGA 100% was a top 5 team last year. UGA was an annual top 10 recruiting school BEFORE Kirby got here, now we are a top 5 with one hand behind our back. Kirby doesn't need 4 let alone 7 years and over-signing to get us to that level. He only needed 1. So that debunks the rest of argument... the fact that we thought we were as good as '17? When we had no talent, lol? Dude you're a joke, for real. Nobody blamed the players. Chaney? Sure. Walker getting hurt in the 3rd Q SECCG? Pretty legitimate gripe there.
You then go on to compare us to 2009 bama after their first title.. well guess what? We lost 3 games last year (same as bama) after their 09 title. So what does that mean?? That we are on the same linear path (almost) as the best dynasty in the history of the sport? I'll take it. Even with the past two heart breakers. Everyday and twice on Sunday. Take your shots while you can, cuz you and I both know you won't be able to for much longer.
Dude this may be all the Montauk beers I’ve had today but your post has me ready to run thru a wall
I just got back from New Orleans so I'm still feeling a residual buzz myself