Crowell’s recruitment aside, Washaun Ealey did this to himself (Update III)
Washaun Ealey is in a deep hole with coach Mark Richt.
(UPDATED AT 7 p.m. with Mark Richt statement.)
For the past two months at least — or since about the time most believed Georgia would land running back Isaiah Crowell in recruiting — there have been rumors that Washaun Ealey might transfer to Georgia Southern.
But what happened Tuesday when Ealey was suspended indefinitely isn’t about Crowell. It’s about Ealey –and maybe a little about coach Mark Richt.
Ealey has been inconsistent as a player,which is why the Bulldogs so desperately needed to land Crowell on national letter of intent day. But the more significant issues with the sophomore relating to his future in Athens have been off the field. Ealey’s arrest for a hit-and-run incident last summer — after multiple warnings about driving with a suspended license — infuriated Richt.
Rumors have been flying for the past 24 hours that Ealey last week missed a “punishment run,” which are handed out for things like missing tutoring sessions. Rumors morphed into conclusions that Ealey was kicked off the team. If that’s true, nobody is saying it. Georgia’s official response for now is only that Ealey is still on the team.
UPDATE: Here’s a statement from Richt:
“We have certain expectations and standards that apply to all our student-athletes. We expect them to do things the right way, the Georgia way. If Washaun does things the Georgia way, he’ll be back in good standing.”
But Ealey might want to take this as a hint, and transfer. He has two years of eligibility left and he’s in a pretty deep hole with Richt. Working his way out of that now might be impossible and transferring might be his best option. Richt has become increasingly “tough on crime” in the past year, which is a good sign.
Since signing day, we’ve learned to what lengths Richt went to land Crowell. Debbie Crowell, the player’s mother, confirmed to our Steve Hummer that Richt had Georgia players line up in an offensive formation in the new indoor practice facility during Crowell’s official visit. The only vacant position was running back. An excerpt from the story:
The 18-year-old and his family were shown to Richt’s new office, overlooking the recently completed indoor practice facility. As they visited, the Crowells noticed activity down below. Players began filing onto the practice field.
“We got up and looked out,” said Debbie Crowell, Isaiah’s mother. “I didn’t know what was going on, but Isaiah could tell that they were getting into formation. And there wasn’t a tailback.”
The stage was set. Richt escorted the family down to the field. Crowell was handed a Georgia jersey — No. 1 on the back — and a helmet and asked if he wanted to take that empty spot in the backfield. Debbie Crowell remembers Richt painting the scene of next season’s opener against Boise State, asking her son if he could see himself in that jersey and helmet, behind that offensive line, starting his career in the din of the Georgia Dome.
“Yes, sir, I can,” Isaiah said.
“My baby was excited. He was ready to go,” Debbie said.
Assuming Ealey learned of that, he couldn’t feel too great about his future in Athens.
Another running back, Caleb King, has been a disappointment and rumors of his exit also have circulated. The difference is that King has only one season of eligibility remaining and it might not be worth it to transfer.
When Richt recruited Crowell, he told him to imagine himself as Georgia’s starting running back. The coach then went public after his signing, saying Crowell could be “carrying the rock” as the starting back in the opener against Boise State.
But this is not all about Crowell’s potential. It’s about the way Ealey has imploded. There was a time it was his job to lose — and he lost it.
By Jeff Schultz
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806 comments Add your comment
Buckeye
February 8th, 2011
3:05 pm
I think I will now starting posting as a “dawg”. How’s “Buckeye Dawg”?
DAWG alum09
February 8th, 2011
3:08 pm
Dawg dog
I feel no shame for calling someone what they are. If Ealey was beating people up, robbing people, whatever then yeah he would be a thug. Calling someone they have never met a thug for missing a meeting and hitting a car in the parking deck? Get real. You and I both know why they called him a thug and if I have to be the only one to defend that stupidity then I’m cool with it. If people reading this have never set foot in Athens and saw what people wrote about one of their own they would think we are backwards.
and yeah I know he’s an Auburn fan.. he mentioned it earlier. Auburn fans love UGA. The Auburn fans from ATL tried to get into Georgia first but the grades weren’t good enough, so they go to Auburn. It’s sad lol
Left the Barn door open
February 8th, 2011
3:11 pm
WDE its a little after 3pm EST how many more of your recruits have left for Bama today..I know its still early but could you give us at least a partial count yet? How many buses did they have to rent ? Coach Saban needs to know so he can have the staff get their rooms ready..thanks !
Pacific Dawg
February 8th, 2011
3:12 pm
Pago Pago Dawg
Are you friends of Tombstone?
Dawg Dog
February 8th, 2011
3:13 pm
Dawg Alum09,
You’re too sensitive. I do agree with your second paragraph.
czar
February 8th, 2011
3:14 pm
Grow a pair Richt and get rid of him!
how2fish
February 8th, 2011
3:14 pm
UGA: The Ole Miss of the SEC East….don’t let reality get into your way sonny….anyone who can get the HOPE and make the grades at UGA can get into Auburn. Nice try .
WDE
February 8th, 2011
3:16 pm
HEY YALL, WHERE THERE’S SMOKE THERE’S FIRE. BOY AM I TELLIN YA. AND GUESS WHAT? THERE’S SMOKE STILL BELLOWING FROM ATHENS, TUSCALOOSA, AND GLENDALE.
Under how many different names can this douchebag post?
February 8th, 2011
3:17 pm
Moderators and Jeff asleep at the switch today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WIN WITH RICHT
February 8th, 2011
3:17 pm
I thought this was a sports blog. It looks more like a meeting place for Dr. Phil and Jerry Springer rejects. Some of these guys are sick!!!!
WDE
February 8th, 2011
3:17 pm
Does 2nd-tier SEC status meaning leading the series on you, having a fresh national championship, and 3 undefeated seasons in the last 20 years?
cadawg
February 8th, 2011
3:17 pm
sad story. schultz, i think you’re right. i hope the kid gets his act together –whether at UGA or somewhere else — because this is the best shot he’s gonna get.
dawgster
February 8th, 2011
3:17 pm
@boss dawg…i think you miss my point a little…obvisously i’m still on this blog, but my comments were an observation on why you don’t see alot of the “regulars” or whatever you want to call them, on here as much…they have moved to other areas where you can actually talk recruiting and football without having to defend the dawgs program or yourself by the childish insults or inappropriate comments…If you like dealing those issues in lieu of actually talking recruiting or football, well thats ok…I happen to enjoy the info and insight that i read from others whether its about the dawgs or the other schools, but many of them have stopped coming on here due to nature of where the conversation goes too often..it was just my opinion…thats all…and just to further clarify, i understand all the backlash against Ealey, he has to take responsibilities for his actions and to this point it appears he really hasn’t…Am i going to throw him under the bus..no…first i don’t know all the specifics but if i did, thats just not how i deal with those issues…maybe its because i have coached for years and know that it takes a while sometimes for them to find their way..Yes they have to take responsibility for their actions and deal with the consequences, but i don’t have to get on a blog and throw them or the coaching staff under a bus…
@Anonymous ‘Cos….thanks for the comments….go dawgs
Ealey is Gone to Jail
February 8th, 2011
3:17 pm
“anyone who can get the HOPE and make the grades at UGA can get into Auburn.”
You don’t get sarcasm, do you.
WDE
February 8th, 2011
3:18 pm
Oh and hey- guess what?! We can beat Florida, and have proven it!
DAWG alum09
February 8th, 2011
3:18 pm
UGA: the ole miss
Stay mad. Truth hurts. lol poor kids on HOPE.. more wealthy kids have the HOPE scholarship than poor kids. Sorry Georgia rejected your application but keep trolling UGA football boards, PAYBACK!!
WIN WITH RICHT
February 8th, 2011
3:19 pm
Shazam!! Barney, these people ain’t from Mayberry.
chazzo
February 8th, 2011
3:19 pm
Clearly Ealey lacks character. A hotshot tailback is coming up through the ranks, and he is in the top dawg spot. It is time to rise to the occasion and secure his position. It is time to foster a younger player. It is time to be a team guy. His inability to do these things does not mean he is a bad person. (I don’t know the guy or a whole lot about him.) It speaks volumes about his character, though. So, are we as fans (and many of us elders) going to run this kid down and out and talk crap about him? Another alternative would be to wish him well. Another alternative is to hope he finds that character and learns how to live up to responsibilities. I choose the latter because I don’t want to see another failure. I don’t want to see another kid suffer the pain of not achieving. I don’t know who’s to blame and don’t care. I just hope this kid takes his licks, brushes it off, gets on track, and makes something of himself. Same goes for Caleb and anyone else who is having trouble grasping what it means to have character.
Stinger2
February 8th, 2011
3:20 pm
Jeff: The part of your story detailing how CMR arranged the drama of showing Crowell the vacant I back position
on the indoor practice field is somewhat amazing. Why did CMR stoop to such antics to impress this recruit? He may have allienated other current players and new recruits.
Snoop Dawg
February 8th, 2011
3:20 pm
Ealey’s a Gangsta Thug that UGA needs to get rid of. He really pi>>>ed me off toward the end of the Arkansas game last year. With the game on the line, he was dancing some sort of rap in the huddle instead of staying focused with the rest of the team in a very important game. We wound up losing that game. Against Ga Tech, he was so stupid with just a minute left that he danced into the end zone instead of downing the ball to run the clock out. That allowed GT to get the ball back with a chance to win the game.
I’m hoping that da Preacha Man is learning from his laissez faire is everywhere approach to team discipline. He needs to drop kick both Ealey and King across the goal posts of life where they can get a head start as drivers for UPS or doing local landscaping work.
DawginLex
February 8th, 2011
3:22 pm
Boy this blog sure turned into a crapfest.
Congratulations to the Auburn idiots.
Left the Barn door open
February 8th, 2011
3:24 pm
WDE…….great article enjoy ! http://bleacherreport.com/articles/599950-cyrus-kouandjio-to-alabama-what-it-means-for-alabama-auburn-the-iron-bowl
big cat newnan dawg
February 8th, 2011
3:24 pm
Dawgster, the guy purposely missed a punishment run!! Come on!! I hope the kid can turn it around too. But if I missed a meeting on purpose, guess what.
CHARLOTTE DAWG
February 8th, 2011
3:25 pm
Snoop Dawg,
And we lost the game to ARkansas after not converting on 3rd and 4 I believe b/c Mr Break Dance Revolution, Ealey, missed a key block. Georgia gives the ball back to Arkansas and the rest is history….ALL WE HAD TO DO WAS KICK A FIELD GOAL TO WIN IT! And we couldn’t even get it done in our own house. All I remember was Ealey making some “egg on face” gesture after a nice run and then the boys in Red just falling flat on their faces.
Yep….have bad memories of that game too Snoop Dawg!
Wally Butts
February 8th, 2011
3:29 pm
You give a little love and it all comes back to you .
Left the Barn door open
February 8th, 2011
3:30 pm
Dumb dawg fans give it a little time there will be more bolting to the Tide…bet on it! Seems the new class is hearing what’s going on with the FBI and Auburn….rats……ship well you get it.
Rumbo
February 8th, 2011
3:32 pm
Schultz calling for Richt to “run off” Ealey? What’s up? I thought you moralizers found such practices evil.
Left the Barn door open
February 8th, 2011
3:37 pm
UGA: The Cubs of the south two little tidbits of truth for you Spanky…1) the recruit on NSD actually stated he was going to Auburn…the minute he sobered up he jumped ship…2) the Chiz couldn’t leave when he heard of the investigation…it was the middle of the season..and honestly who would hire him with this cloud over his head now…but don’t let reality hit you between the eyes…just have another cup of koolaid and enjoy that rented trophy…
dawgster
February 8th, 2011
3:37 pm
@big cat newnan dawg….did i say anywhere that Ealey does not deserve discipline for not doing the things that he was expected to do…No…Unfortunately, you nor i have all the details, so if i am a little hesitant to throw him under the bus and insult the young men as others on here have done, well excuse me, my bad…also, i didn’t say you did either, i’m just pointing out how many on here are so quick to judge and bash these young men at times…I’m sure the appropriate punishment for him will be forthcoming by Coach Richt and UGA…again, i think you and others miss my point, i’m not condoning anything he has done, and he probably has been given more chances than some would give, he ought to be thankful for that…Basically my previous posts were pointing out how many of the bloggers jump at the chance to bash the kids and the dawgs programs…I’m sure as soon as another kid messes up or one of our new recruits makes a mistake, the first thing you will hear is he’s a “thug”, so get him out of here…just saying we shouldn’t be so quick to judge, but everyone on here has that right, just as i have to my opinion…go dawgs
JB
February 8th, 2011
3:42 pm
This blog was lost on about page 3. They ought to close it when it get’s to this type conversation.
Another Auburn Fan
February 8th, 2011
3:43 pm
I love Cam and Fairley too! I donated my unemployment check AND my disability check to pay these guys on my way to an “under the table” job!
Ealey is Gone needs to grow up
February 8th, 2011
3:44 pm
“I love Cam and Fairley too! I donated my unemployment check AND my disability check to pay these guys on my way to an “under the table” job!”
Ealey is Gone is the girl stealing everyone’s name. Just thought you all would like to know
PackerBacker
February 8th, 2011
3:46 pm
One or two incidents of players not acting as they should is understandable, however someone has to put their foot down and say enough. If UGA wants a quality program, as I believe they do, then focus shoudl be on the quality of student athletes the school is recruiting. Make them accountable for their actions and hold the coaching staff accountable for enforcing the standards.
UGA SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 8th, 2011
3:46 pm
“The Dawgs will rebound, that fake National Title will be returned and i’m still laughing about your Paid QB. ‘
UGA is incapable of beating UF and winning the SEC Least. To say that they will win the national title is hilarious since UGA has not been relevant since 1980.
“What a Joke your program is.’
14-0, 6-7er. UGA SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“Your team is only as good as your Wallet, aint that right.”
Where’s your proof, moron?
UGA SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 8th, 2011
3:47 pm
“No, South Carolina is. We are next to the bottom. Get it right, dummy!’
Oh, so you are second worst state in the country. You ought to be proud, little girl.
Ealey is Gone off Her Meds
February 8th, 2011
3:51 pm
For a brief moment, Michael Dyer stopped running.
Hold on.
No whistle. No ref raising his hand.
So he started running again – past the tackler who thought he had him down, deep into Oregon territory. A once-in-a-lifetime run, the kind that wins championships.
Dyer’s stop-and-go maneuver set up a short field goal on the last play that sent No. 1 Auburn over the No. 2 Ducks 22-19 in the BCS title game Monday night.
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/gameflash/2011/01/10/46718_recap.html#ixzz1DP24bWs4
DawginLexisSmart
February 8th, 2011
3:52 pm
Actual rankings:
Looks like Alabama is below Georgia and several others.
http://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/acrossstates/Rankings.aspx?order=d&loct=2&dtm=11560&by=v&tf=38&ind=5116&ch=a&sortid=13664
big cat newnan dawg
February 8th, 2011
3:54 pm
dawgster, I respect your opinion. I am not throwing the kid under the bus either. I hope he will turn it around. I think the competition at tb will only be better if he is there. If he indeed missed his punishment, then that is wrong. He is getting a free education. Obviously, he needs to take his opportunity more seriously. Hopefully he will take his punishment and show good character doing so.
Ealey is Gone off Her Meds
February 8th, 2011
3:56 pm
UGA loses Liberty Bowl to UCF, 10-6
The Georgia Bulldogs put together an uninspired offensive display against Central Florida on Friday in the Liberty Bowl, then the defense gives up a late touchdown to the Knights, who win their first bowl game in school history at the expense of UGA, 10-6, in Memphis.
http://www.albanyherald.com/sports/headlines/WHAT_THE_HECK_UGA_dropped_by_UCF_in_Liberty_Bowl_stunner_112731704.html
The Reverend Jesse Jaxxon
February 8th, 2011
3:59 pm
I hope all you UGA “FANS” enjoy trashing “Washed Up” Ealey.
This time last year you were all kissing his feet…
Beware False idols… and UGA fair weather fans.
The Voice of Reason
February 8th, 2011
3:59 pm
When you go after players with marginal academics and character, you may get some outstanding athletes, but you will have discipline problems like Richt has experienced the last few years.
dawgster
February 8th, 2011
4:02 pm
@big cat newnan dawg…agree with that 100%….I hope he gets it soon…I know Coach Richt doesn’t want to dismiss him but he may have no choice…I imagine that if Ealey wants to stay, and he indicated from another source that he does, then he better do everything and then some to show this team and coaching staff that he deserves to be on the team…if he is willing to do that, myself, i wouldn’t have a problem…as you said the competition at RB will only make us better and i am concerned about the depth at that position, especially if Ealey is gone…that leaves only King, and Thomas with any game experience…an injury to any of the Rb’s will put a big hurt on our team, and expecially if we lose Ealey…go dawgs…
WDE is a putz
February 8th, 2011
4:03 pm
Chizik coaches the best players money can buy.
Fairley is a big strong boy…that takes as many cheap shots as possible.
Here’s hoping Cam Newton is the next JaMarcus Russell!
Auburn Tigers no longer get paid in cash. They are taken to a casino where everybody is a winner!
How the players parents collect money is a different story. Preachers get their churches up to code in no time when their sons play QB.
MountainDawg
February 8th, 2011
4:04 pm
CMR should have booted this thug long before now. The coaching staff needs to quit coddling these overrated hoodlums!
Ealey is Gone off Her Meds
February 8th, 2011
4:05 pm
Ok…but all I have to bet is these Free Chic-fil-a Sandwich cards i stole from my manager at work.
FLA DAWG
February 8th, 2011
4:06 pm
King & Ealey had it in the palms of their hands…………….how many kids get to live a dream of carrying the ball for an SEC Team!? They both blew it. I hope they both leave.
Crowell brings talent and a refreshing character to Athens.
Welcome to Dawg Nation Isiah.
You will be starting for an SEC Team as a true freshman on the First Game Of The Season!
Congratulations!
Ealey is Gone off Her Meds
February 8th, 2011
4:06 pm
Will you bet Comic books or a Storm Trooper Costume?
Ealey is Gone off Her Meds
February 8th, 2011
4:07 pm
Also…I am really good at World of Warcraft. I could help you out with some awesome cheat codes.
Sports Review
February 8th, 2011
4:10 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
TAMMY
February 8th, 2011
4:14 pm
Ealey has problems of course! But what do you expect to happen, when you take a kid that didn’t have much, and is the top football player @ his high school, and throw him into the limelight at UGA and put pressure on such a young man that should have been given time to get accustomed to college life, before hand!! You should have to earn your way to a starting position on the team and move up, not just because of how you did in high school! High School and College are 2 separate things!!
Richt should know better as a coach to allow the players to hang with bad influences!! I thought Richt has done a better job coaching a few years ago! Now is coaching is just a joke! Hopefully Richt is on his way out if things don’t straighten up! He has got to do better when it comes to starters and their grades!! If you don’t make the grade, you don’t play with/without a tutor!! His decisions are becoming erratic and not sure if he even makes the grade!
If Ealey decides to leave the Dawgs, then so be it! I hope and pray that things get better for him, as he is a young man that needs to find some people that will influence him to be the best he can be and who understands how to handle everything that is thrown at him in such a fast pace!!!