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
fan
February 8th, 2011
11:27 am
To the Boise st fan, UGA can claim 5 NC’s, How many can Boise Claim? WDE, Auburn will lose 5 to 6 games this year MARK THAT DOWN. No CAM to bail yall out of close games. 15 starters are gone GOOD LUCK.
N.GA.DAWG
February 8th, 2011
11:27 am
It amazes me how many idiots post on this blog. I hope he does whatever it takes to get back. He is a GEORGIA BULLDAWG for now and I hope for the next 2 years.
Alabama | MrSEC.com
February 8th, 2011
11:28 am
[...] angling for at-large bids into the NCAA Tournament.5. Could Washaun Ealey’s suspension be a precursor to a transfer to Georgia Southern?6. Jerry Tipton of The Lexington Herald-Leader breaks down the Bruce Pearl situation as he returns [...]
Tom
February 8th, 2011
11:28 am
calm down, dawgfaced….that’s his real name. He spread pinestraw for me just 2 weeks ago.
who cares?
February 8th, 2011
11:28 am
7-5 next year, either way
St. Bernard
February 8th, 2011
11:28 am
Ealey needed a wake-up call. Hopefully, he’s awake. Richt must know that Malcome will be able to play.
Can it be true?
February 8th, 2011
11:29 am
will is waushans brother!
Fire Mark Richt
February 8th, 2011
11:29 am
If Ealey’s detrimental to the team, he should be kicked off right away.
Evansdawg
February 8th, 2011
11:29 am
CAN WE LOSE THE BLACK HELMET PICS PLEASE!?!?!?!?!?!?
dmhudgins
February 8th, 2011
11:29 am
GA Southern doesn’t need him. GS has a lot a good running backs. Don’t need the aggravation with Ealey. Too much baggage…
RambleOn84
February 8th, 2011
11:30 am
I don’t know, guys…I will admit I am a Tech fan, but I really do root for Georgia as well.
I think this is a much bigger deal than some of y’all do…not showing up to your punishment shows you have ZERO respect for your coaches and teammates.
This has turned into a pattern with this guy. I don’t care how talented he is; you don’t want guys like that on your team.
Katherine
February 8th, 2011
11:31 am
I think the problem in the past is that the players were given way too many chances. They aren’t children….they either follow the rules or they don’t. This has to be a zero tolerance team from this day forward unless they want a repeat of last years arrests. I would rather have a team that is respectful, folllows the rules, and learns to be good men, then a team that wins more with out of control guys.
georgiadawg85
February 8th, 2011
11:31 am
thetruth:
Ealey hasnt gotten away with everything for 2 years as you say. He was suspended more than once from the team. Given more shots and chances. There is a point where its a last straw, and him skipping his punishment was just that, the final straw. If he had been getting away with everything, he wouldnt have been suspended for games this year, and he wouldnt have had to show up for a punishment “run”
Katherine
February 8th, 2011
11:32 am
who cares?
February 8th, 2011
11:28 am
7-5 next year, either way
Apparently you care or you wouldn’t be on this blog.
441North
February 8th, 2011
11:32 am
Breakingnews, you nailed it. Get those two cancers out of there. They don’t run this state any more.
papadawg
February 8th, 2011
11:33 am
Ealey instead of whining why don’t you go to the coaching staff and ask them what you need to do to keep the starting tailback job. Maybe this kind of attitude is why the last two seasons stunk
EW
February 8th, 2011
11:33 am
Surprise surprise, ealey fumbles yet again.
just the truth
February 8th, 2011
11:33 am
cantondawg, young man ! He’s like 23 years old NOW. Your talking about a person who barely got out of high school !
Tweets that mention Crowell’s recruitment aside, Washaun Ealey did this to himself | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
February 8th, 2011
11:34 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by KATHY SHEETS, Rachel Baribeau, Aaron, Bart Burnett, Jeff Schultz and others. Jeff Schultz said: Crowell’s recruitment aside, Washaun Ealey did this to himself http://bit.ly/dUkIsb [...]
NADAWG
February 8th, 2011
11:35 am
Will
” What do that tell you right there? ”
It tells me that you needed to pay closer attention at school. The kid was wrong regardless of race…Time to grow up.
RxDawg
February 8th, 2011
11:35 am
Oh god Richt, just kick these cancers off the team. Enough is enough. These guys may be athletic but they lack the heart it takes to be champions. Were 6-7 with them, and that ain’t going to cut it. It’s time to get on or get off. These two underperforming RB’s have had enough troubles. Get rid of em Richt. Hell this fan will give you another pass next year just to send the message and lean on two freshmen RB’s.
Earl
February 8th, 2011
11:35 am
A prayer before the 2011 season: Lord please protect us from the ones who have learned how to write and have gotten jobs in the media and all the idiots who have access to a computer. Amen
Buckeye
February 8th, 2011
11:35 am
Love the drama. Better than The Young and the Restless. It’s a long way to Boise.
Luke
February 8th, 2011
11:35 am
Ealey is a bum. Always has been. Nothing wrong with sending him packing. But that being said, you have to think about the RBs left. King is a joke and Malcom is unproven. Thats a scary thought to have two untested RBs go out on national television to play a top ten team.
And in terms of John Jenkins, unless he goes out into coverage, have fun stopping the two-three run plays BSU actually runs.
All being said, I’m proud of CMR actually growing a pair and laying down the law. This coming from a Tech fan. Maybe CPJ is rubbing off on some of you guys after all.
Otter
February 8th, 2011
11:35 am
football season can’t get here soon enough! this will be a long spring and summer of blogs & trolls
Jeff
February 8th, 2011
11:36 am
For all the people saying Richt would never do this to his favorite player… When was the last time Murray got in any trouble? Last I remember, NEVER. That’s why Murray is Richt’s favorite, he keeps his butt in line and works hard. Can you say that about Mettenberger? King? Ealey? No. To say this is favoritism is completely stupid. All of these players have had their chances (too many in my opinion). And if the message was not clear before, these kids have bigger problems than getting kicked off a football team.
Left the Barn door open
February 8th, 2011
11:36 am
A Tech Fan Forever he can count to 4….
From a Tech Fan
February 8th, 2011
11:36 am
Mark Richt will have to do his best coaching between now and spring practice. He is going to have to change the mindset about conditioning and discipline. He will have to keep the players in class and working out without getting into trouble. This will be his biggest challenge.
The field coaching is much easier than this will be!
Mike
February 8th, 2011
11:36 am
Talk about eating your own young. This kid is being called a clown, spoiled brat, stupid, washed up… most likely by people who spilled their beer cheering for him on Saturdays.
Can’t you just be content with hoping that Washuan matures and finds his way? He’s not the first nor will he be the last recruit whot lacks disipline. I for one, hopes he will realize his good fortune, grow from being a boy to a man, and graduate from UGA wearing #3.
GIVE ME A BREAK
February 8th, 2011
11:36 am
Richt telling Crowell that he can start the season before he even puts on a uniform sends the wrong message to the rest of the team. Another down year for UGA and CMR. Show some class Richt.
BillS
February 8th, 2011
11:37 am
Earl, I second your prayer, especially for the ones who can get to a computer. Their witless remarks here and elsewhere are evidence that clear thinking is a hindrance to blogging…
Gary
February 8th, 2011
11:37 am
Let him go to LSU.
Left the Barn door open
February 8th, 2011
11:37 am
Buckeye but not very far to the local tattoo parlor is it??
who cares?
February 8th, 2011
11:38 am
Katherine, how long did it take for you to think up that witty repartee?
Rob in Chapel Hill
February 8th, 2011
11:38 am
Heck no, don’t kick him off the team. I’d like to see Ealey get his act together, grow up a bit, and work his way back into CMR’s good graces, and also live up to his potential. I think he still can be an exceptional back, help the Dawgs big-time, and also get his life pointed in a better direction.
I’m kinda surprised to see people so eager to kick him to the curb. Ditto on all this for Caleb King. My sense is that the same people trashing Ealey and King also have been inclined to trash the recently departed O-line coach and the O-line itself. I want to see Crowell and all of these guys running behind our massive “new” fullback, an improved O-line, and an O-line coach who actually wants to be at Georgia, and who isn’t keeping one eye on that godawful burnt-orange university that shall not be named. I want all of them to take to that maniacal new coach and traitorous former Dawg at that swamp-dwelling university that also shall not be named, and to that equally traitorous former Athenian and Bulldawg namesake at the other university with an equally horrendous orange hue. GO DAWGS!
Mike
February 8th, 2011
11:38 am
As a firm believer in pre-destination, and a guy who does not believe players have free will, I have to conclude this whole incident was pre-determined hundreds of years ago. Nothing Ealey could have done to prevent it. After so many arrests under Mark Richt, it’s written in the stars that Richt will continue to deal with these type of issues. There’s nothing any player can do to change it.
Jeff Schultz
February 8th, 2011
11:38 am
Folks, leave race out of this please. Have to go back and delete some comments.
Tweets that mention Crowell’s recruitment aside, Washaun Ealey did this to himself | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
February 8th, 2011
11:39 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ajc sports editor and Mitch Blomert, Parrish Walton. Parrish Walton said: RT @ajcsportseditor: Jeff Schultz: Washaun Ealey suspension about him (and maybe Richt), not Crowell http://bit.ly/gre41R #UGA #Dawgs [...]
marc da gator
February 8th, 2011
11:40 am
when are you puppies gonna get it ….Freshmen Don’t Help Next Year!!!! This kid Crowell is NOT Hershel Walker…he is two years away…Good but not great yet ….that will depend on how well he is developed. Based on the past few backs….looks like the pup’s will be throwing a lot!!!
Old Dawg
February 8th, 2011
11:40 am
Run him. Run him til he pukes or transfers. I can assure you the coaching staff at Georgia Southern won’t put up with Ealey’s attitude and lack of respect for a program’s disciplinary actions.
This is a case of lack of discipline. It doesn’t matter where Ealey winds up, he’ll either have to shape up or ship out.
In other words, it’s time to grow up.
david
February 8th, 2011
11:41 am
hey will there thugs
DawgNation
February 8th, 2011
11:41 am
@RambleOn84
February 8th, 2011
11:30 am
I agree 100% with you.
Rickster
February 8th, 2011
11:56 am
FIRST (suspension of the off season.)
missouridawg
February 8th, 2011
11:58 am
you’re wrong about this one, schultz.
Andy in Blairsville
February 8th, 2011
11:58 am
Well, after 2 crappy seasons and a loss to Central Florida Diesel Tech, it’s nice to see nothing has changed in Athens.
Herschel Talker
February 8th, 2011
11:59 am
Schultzie:
‘Bout time Richt started to clean up this mess he created. This is a damn good start. Throw out the thugs and clowns and win on the field. Nothing less will be tolerated in 2011 from this fan base. We have had enough of the embarrassment.
HT
Alabama Jack
February 8th, 2011
12:00 pm
Who cares? Its only the dawgs.
Phildo
February 8th, 2011
12:01 pm
Never would have happened had Crowell not signed. Typical Richt. Waits until he has another potential horse in the stable before doing anything, and only then does he get tough.
Uga would....
February 8th, 2011
12:01 pm
Funny thing is that this Crowell kid will be the next Washaun Ealey in 2 years. Off the field that is. That is if he doesn’t flunk out after one season.
T3
February 8th, 2011
12:02 pm
Wow. Just read all the posts from UGAG fans trashing King and Ealy.
Just a couple of years ago, these VERY SAME UGAG fans were heralding these two
RBs as the arrival of the Messiah.
And now, UGAG fans are throwing King and Ealy under the bus,
with the…OBVIOUS…PR-machine orchestrated message of:
“They did it to themselves.”
Really? Will ALL of the other players arrested over the
past 3 years…be run out of the program too?
And yet, here we are with the VERY SAME UGAG fans saying the VERY SAME thing about Crowell.
You see, what this clearly demonstrates for the all world to see,
is what a bunch of hypocrites UGAG fans are.
But, I digress. There’s nothing new here.
No. Let’s just take a quick stroll down
memory lane to see what UGAG’s legacy is:
Here’s a time-honored and memorable quote from the esteemed
Dr. Leroy Ervine (Jan Kemp’s boss at UGA):
And I quote:
“Now, you talk about [how] these kids are not taught in high school. They aren’t. We try to teach them here, but there is no way to do it. I know for a fact that these kids would not be here if it were not for their utility to the institution. There is no real sound academic reason for their being here other than to be utilized to produce income. They are used as a kind of raw material in the production of some goods to be sold…and they get nothing in return….”
So, just to repeat for clarification, Ervine said:
“There is no real sound academic reason for their being here
other than to be utilized to produce income.”
And, if THATS not bad enough, try this one, from
former UGA President Fred Davision, who was forced
to resign in disgrace:
Georgia president Fred Davison similarly tried to justify the university’s recruitment practices by saying, “We have to compete [with rival schools] on a level playing field.” Referring to Georgia athletes, Davison also said: “If they leave us being able to read, write, communicate better, we simply have not done them any damage.”
Davison, whose dismissal was called for Sunday in an editorial in the Athens Banner-Herald/The Daily News, testified that it was theoretically possible to offer scholarships to revenue-producing athletes—i.e., football and basketball players—even if they achieved a minimum 400 score on their SAT tests, while non-revenue-producing athletes had to score at least 650. Asked if the standards were lower for revenue-producing athletes because they made money for the school, Davison said, “If you want to ask me if they have utilitarian effect to the university, certainly they do.”
Lastly, who can forget this gem, from UGA Alum attorney, Hale Almand:
And I quote: “We may not make a university student out of him, but if we can teach him to read and write, maybe he can work at the post office rather than as a garbage man when he gets through with his athletic career.”
You see folks:
THIS…is what UGAG is REALLY all about.
THIS…is UGAG’s Legacy.
Ealy and King only just now discovered it.