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
Einsteindawg
February 8th, 2011
1:24 pm
If you really want to discipline Ealey, put him on the kickoff/punt coverage team. He’s stocky, semi-fast, and should be able to stay in his lane.
Whiskey Clear
February 8th, 2011
1:24 pm
JB – This article is not about Georgia Tech and your aged and redundant insults. It’s about the lack of character possessed by one of your runningbacks. Wasn’t it just two years ago that you all were ranting and raving about Washaun after he had a great game against Tech? And now he’s getting bashed like there’s no tomorrow by his own fans. Stand up for your guy, and support your team. You Georgia fans are the first to gloat when something positive happens, and the first to criticize at the opposite.
This is a promise – Crowell will not be the Lattimore of this year. What that kid did was freakish, and doesn’t happen every year. He’ll be good, but will have his ups and downs. You need a kid like King or Ealey, who has played a couple of college seasons, to step in when the times are tough – which they will be at times this year. Crowell will help, but he’s not the answer.
phil
February 8th, 2011
1:26 pm
You know, we could just leave the guy alone. He’s been a disappointment, yes, but the entire team has been as well for several years now. I for one hope he sticks with the team, does what he’s supposed to do and has a decent final 2 years with the team. If not, oh well, but let’s give the kid a break.
JB
February 8th, 2011
1:26 pm
Coaching Values…..That story just happened to be made public. I’m sure you can snoop around and find things at Fla, Bama,Auburn, LSU just as a shock to us all. Remember the big white limo at Auburn last year going around and picking up kids? I’m sure if we knew the “dirty ” stuff, we would all be shocked. If you are singling out UGA, you are Naive and a fool.
Oldfart
February 8th, 2011
1:27 pm
Let Ealey come to Statesboro. Monken will make a respectable man out of him and teach him the value of TEAM. He may not start with all the talent Monken is recruiting. In the event he can’t man-up, at least he won’t have a long drive back to Stillmore where he can cut grass and wash cars for a living. Ummmm …walk .. forgot he can’t drive now…
G'Vegas Dawg
February 8th, 2011
1:27 pm
Coaching values – you are obvioulsy not a football coach nor do you have a single bit of sense about recruiting. At no time did Richt promise anything to IC. He merely asked if he could see himself lined up as a DAWG. I could sure as hell see myself coaching for a D-1 program. Does that mean that I will. Probably not. Quit reaching for something that’s not there.
Dawg Dog
February 8th, 2011
1:27 pm
Coaching Values,
Wake up! Where have you been the last 20 years of college recruiting?
Limos city
February 8th, 2011
1:29 pm
Chizk ( the US Coach of the Year) used a limo service to shuttle kids around at Auburn, last recruiting period for 2010. Others fly to see a kid in a LEER jet. THEY ALL try to impress the kid. That is WHY schools like UGA and Alabama and LSU and Florida and Oklahoma State ( T. Boone Pickens is an alum) with their $$$ glitzy facilities.
This year Chizk is the National Coach of The Year.
Richt is being criticized for lining up his squad to impress Crowley?
Um, ah, I suspect that 95% of you UGA haters here are non college grads and in fact, have no business pulling for any school here, as you are not an alum.
Jealousy, not “morals” or “ethics” is your motivation. Own up to it and say “I simply hate UGA” and we are good with that. Why obuscate the truth behind flowing rhetoric??
Go Dogs.
JB
February 8th, 2011
1:30 pm
Whiskey clear, I hear ya, but Tech has 4 or 5 folks on here who post the most vile hateful stuff about anything Georgia, that I won’t ever miss a chance to remind folks of the pure hate they bring daily to our University, our Alumni and fans.
G'Vegas Dawg
February 8th, 2011
1:33 pm
Limos – UGA and the rest of college football play for entertainment of all fans, not just alumni. The rest of your post I agree with.
Anonymous 'Cos
February 8th, 2011
1:33 pm
Everyone…
I have someone on “the inside” telling me some Dawg fans really aren’t fans at all. My source claims some to be bitter people who merely attempt to criticize others and their opinions only to make themselves feel worthy of the air they breathe. More coming later…and you heard it here first.
By the way, @ Dawgster, i understand your point regardless of what others cannot fathom. I do believe you handle yourself with class, unlike many others on here. Not naming names. Don’t have to. I am speaking to those who respond to you daily, as well as a FEW others on this blog. Good day to you all…and Go Dawgs!
A family friend was in 90s a Ortho MD
February 8th, 2011
1:33 pm
We had a close family friend of an MD who served as one of a few team ortho MDs to work on knees, etc. He worked primarily at GT.
More than one time he stated that GT has some dumb, dumb guys on their atheltic terams and he was surprised prior, untol he did get involved there.
GTs ……………. if you are real GT grads, then you know the ugly truth. If you are not a GT grad, then stop with the brilliant vs dumb player comps between UGA and GT.
Geaux Tigers!
February 8th, 2011
1:35 pm
Hey GT fans, when was the last time you guys had a player up for the Rhodes?
DawginLex
February 8th, 2011
1:38 pm
WDE,
Your inside information claim is ludicrous and hilarious.
You are a friggin’ joke.
Ealey can’t keep up in the weight room and he didn’t show up for a punishment session.
That is what really happened.
The upperclassmen are not mad at the Dream Team nor do they believe the Dream Teamers are “entitled”. The upperclassmen are getting their tails kicked in the weight room and are being told to buy in or leave.
Kinda’ like Auburn=All in=Family? How is ours a crapfest and Auburn’s is a genius move? Because you say so.
You are a joke.
DawginLex
February 8th, 2011
1:40 pm
UGAfan86,
Why would Figgins leave when he is about to be the starting fullback???
DrDawg
February 8th, 2011
1:41 pm
Get rid of the troublemakers!!!!!! This is a new day and we don’t need the rotten apples in the basket.
JB
February 8th, 2011
1:41 pm
Haters riled up today…..They watch closely to see what’s coming down the track. Landing a top 5 class is pretty good in anybody’s book. We don’t rate them. Just sign them
Ed
February 8th, 2011
1:42 pm
They cant kick him off the team. He might be a moron, but he’s better than King and we need him in case Crowell gets banged up or just flat out sucks. That’s always a possibility. Lot of hype and faith being put in a kid that has never carried the ball outside of high school. I hope for the best, but most people were saying all of these same things about King when he committed, and we might as well have signed a wet fart to play tailback.
timthebrave
February 8th, 2011
1:43 pm
If Ealey can’t step up it’s time to move on. I think he can still be very productive for the dawgs but it’s up to him
JB
February 8th, 2011
1:43 pm
Do Gators hibernate in the winter? Been quite from those guys lately.
Old School
February 8th, 2011
1:44 pm
“Word is now that upperclassmen are not reacting positively (aka, using it as motivation) of the heralded “Dream Team”. Coaches pretty much threw the current roster under the bus for those guys … And if you were a tailback, and a coach got your teammates to line up information without you to show a high schooler how bad they want him, would you feel the need to give anything back to the team?”
This is spot-on from a (lack of) leadership perspective. As an upperclassman, I’d feel used and abused by Richt. But maybe that’s what it takes to get these prima donnas motivated. And I’d be looking to take it out on the “dream” freshmen at camp.
What I don’t get though: Richt has had “top 5″ and “top 10″ recruiting classes for years. Why is this group that different?
Richt threw the current team under the bus for 25 18 year olds where only 3 will get noticeable playing time.
Geaux Tigers!
February 8th, 2011
1:44 pm
Kinda’ like Auburn=All in=Family? How is ours a crapfest and Auburn’s is a genius move? Because you say so.
You are a joke.
_____________________________________
It seems that if any upperclassmen would be mad at underclassmen, it would be at Auburn not UGA. Afterall it was Cam Newton who got paid to play while everyone else (not sure about Fairley) had to play for free and follow the rules.
JB
February 8th, 2011
1:44 pm
ed….I agree
JB
February 8th, 2011
1:45 pm
Obama tickled about Cam declaring…..W-2’s from here on out….LOL
DawginLex
February 8th, 2011
1:46 pm
Old school,
Be careful quoting idiots who blog.
Fulmer Cup Champs!
February 8th, 2011
1:46 pm
Do we get points for this????? Please!! I sure hope so!!
Geaux Tigers!
February 8th, 2011
1:48 pm
They cant kick him off the team. He might be a moron, but he’s better than King and we need him in case Crowell gets banged up or just flat out sucks.
____________________________________________
WRONG!!! UGA need to kick him off the team no matter what. He is a knucklehead. He can’t even show up for a punishment session. Come on man!!!! He is setting a bad example for everyone at UGA. Les Miles kicked Perrilloux off the team in 2008 leaving LSU with redshirt Freshman Jarrett Lee, Harvard transfer Andrew Hatch, and true Freshman Jordan Jefferson. It set LSU back a couple of years but in the end, it was the RIGHT move to make and LSU is better off for it. Richt will lose even more respect if Ealey sees the field this year.
Statesborodawg
February 8th, 2011
1:48 pm
This is all rumors? He aint coming to Georgia Southern. They have just signed a transfer from ole Miss. Plus Coach Jeff Monken doesn’t put up with any BS. Last Season alot of kids transferred or quit the team because he is a no nonsense coach that will kick you BUTT!!!!!!!
JB
February 8th, 2011
1:48 pm
Old School…………..I think most top 25 teams have that problem, not that we are one anymore, but I’m Sure Saban sells his butt off to these guys and make some promises, and things change.
UGAgrad71
February 8th, 2011
1:48 pm
Class and intelligence know no limitation. I began college in 1967. I had the good fortune to be in classes with some players who became academic allamericans, some were as dumb as a post. I don’t remember the players getting into that much trouble back then, but we didn’t have cell phones with cameras and the internet. It is hard for someone to show interest in a college education when all around them, with some expections, did not finish high school.
JB
February 8th, 2011
1:51 pm
UGAgrad71….. you are correct. Lot’s of competition now for these kids attention.
Geaux Tigers!
February 8th, 2011
1:52 pm
This is college football and recruiting happens every year. If upperclassmen are having problems with high school seniors, then UGA is in even worse shape than I thought.
LSU brought in “The Fam” this year. 17 kids from within Louisiana borders. 2 of which are already on campus fighting for starting spots. From everything I’ve read, the upperclassmen have embraced these younger guys as the future of LSU football and are excited to get the rest on campus and get the season started. UGA is in for a loooonnnngggg season.
Zoomie
February 8th, 2011
1:53 pm
I have to confess that I let my frustration with UGA football coalesce into impatience. By the middle of this past season, I was ready for Richt to go, though I had a strong suspicion the new AD wouldn’t cut Richt so early in his (the AD’s) tenure, no matter the condition of the team. Once it was made clear Richt was returning, I accepted it and decided on a quiet, wait-and-see approach.
I’m impressed with the goings-on at UGA now. This recruiting class is nothing short of a coup. Richt has quietly made changes in areas that were glaringly lacking: new S&C coach, new O-line coach, established a mentoring program, plus any number of other things behind the scenes that we don’t know about; I was just starting to think he gets it, after all. Richt was well on the way to regaining my confidence, then this issue with Ealey arises.
Washaun Ealey has not lived up to his bargain with UGA. He has failed to follow basic instructions, engaged in much-less-than-responsible behavior, failed to adequately produce on the field of play, and through it all, comes across as having a sense of entitlement. Richt finally has the level of documentation he needs, along with a hungry replacement, to deal with the Ealey situation in an adult manner. Once again, I’m impressed.
My adopted wait-and-see approach has just been elevated to cautious confidence in Richt and his team. I can’t wait to see them play over the next two years.
Dawg Dog
February 8th, 2011
1:55 pm
Old School,
You would feel used and abused by Richt? Then you are not OId School at all. You are a Sissy.
That’s what happens at every school. The players know how it works because they were recruits to.
The one thing you were right about is all the recruits come in and think they are going have immediate playing time until the first hitting day.
The only sane person here
February 8th, 2011
1:55 pm
Look how we treat these young kids. And we wonder why they act out.
Everybody is making millions of dollars. But what do they get? Nothing! College scholarship? You kidding me! These young athletes have to work so hard during the season that it’s way more than a full time job. They are pressured to perform and get nothing in return except the long shot chance of going pro.
And who cares about them? Almost no one.
People who haven’t graduated from a legitimate college (for profit “schools” don’t count), don’t respond.
Nick Fairley
February 8th, 2011
1:55 pm
BMac
February 8th, 2011
12:37 pm
Yes, Auburn has a national title. Why? Do you ask? Because they have no morals or ethical standards on the players they recruit. How many times did key players from Auburn get suspended last year? How many cheap shots did Fairley take at opposing players? After the play was over, knees to the head, laying out at a QBs knees when you outweigh him by 200 lbs. Not even get started on SCam Newton. Congratulations Auburn enjoy it while it lasts because youve got an “at best” chance at 7-5 next year. And will be staring at the bottom of Crowells cleats come November in Athens. Go Dawgs!
—
I love how easy it is to rope-a-dope on this AJC comment section of their paper, which according to dawg fans belongs only to them,
. Wha? You call me cheap? Cheap? I beat the snot out of you guys, that’s all. Big boy football, NFL style, Warren Sapp style (according to CMR). I can’t help it if it was Georgia’s own BEN JONES who got suspended for trying to end a Mississippi St players career. But only for a half because as we know, CMR can’t suspend anyone that he needs, hence todays article. 
But just out of curiosity, top ten recruiting class plus we’re going to win it all! It’s said every year by UGA fans and guess what they’ve got to show for it. 0. Nothing. Nada.
Auburn on the other hand won the National Championship. An Auburn player won the Heisman. I won the Lombardi award. 14-0. 15-0 actually. Alabama did it the year before. I guess while Georgia owns grade inflation and de-certified schools, we have championships. And what will happen this year? 0-2 start for UGA, blow out loss to Boise and maybe a close loss against South Carolina who will be looking PAST Georgia (and who can blame them) for their show down with Navy and then doing everything they can not to look past Vandy because after that here comes the defending national champions, the Auburn Tigers.
jaxdawgfan
February 8th, 2011
1:57 pm
Washaun washout? That is the question. Will Ealey’s next run be to another team? Whatever happens, it will be entirely his responsibility.
Jacket Man
February 8th, 2011
1:58 pm
This is a prime example of recruiting an “elite” high school player to UGA that hasn’t panned out for one, or more, reasons. It could be this kid wasn’t a qualified student who couldn’t make it academically long-term; it might be he was a known discipline risk coming into the program.
The bottom line, however, is we seem to keep coming back to Mark Richt. He’s responsible for selecting the kids for the program, coaching them so that they can improve their skills in college and play as a part of the overall team, motivate the player, insure they know, and follow, all of the rules in order to stay eligible to continue to play, and, as head coach, take overall responsibity over the health and well being of the kids they sign.
Mark Richt knew in advance Ealy had serious issues prior to signing him. This was was not the first “roll of the dice” for Mark Richt, especially most recently, as he’s come under fire. The more heat, the seemingly more desperation, so the more reaches, bringing in more risks, and thus, more troubles off the field, and more “disposable” players as new “elite” players are recruited to replace them.
It’s a vicious circle that won’t be broken until UGA’s fans demand more of your program. You CAN have the best of both worlds; find a passionate coach right now who recruits top tier, qualified talent. Mark Richt has lost his passion and has begun go through the motions. Compare him to Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech. It’s like night and day.
Nick Fairley
February 8th, 2011
1:58 pm
Ashley
February 8th, 2011
12:48 pm
Are there any single UGA fans on here in Atlanta? I’ve love to meet up with a good looking guy under 35 for some fun and great dawg conversation. As for Ealey, let it ride.
—
If I were you I’d go for an actual graduate over just a fan.
Ed
February 8th, 2011
1:58 pm
I think Richt is past the point of losing respect and “bad examples.” He needs to find a way to win f*cking football games. Thats it. I dont care if he starts a meth-addicted midget at tailback and a goddamn stuffed animal under center as long as he gets back on track. You used to could prioritize morals and standards over winning, but that is no longer the case. Hell, look at Auburn. No one cares about lying cheating stealing degenerates as long as they can win big games. Richt knows next year could likely be his last, so he’s gonna do whatever he can to just win.
Mikey
February 8th, 2011
1:59 pm
What is so frustrating is the fact that these are not malicious crimes but just a general reoccurrance of stupidity over and over and not from just one player. It just has a smell of lack of respect for leadership. I heard Mark Schlabach ( spelling?) this morning discussing how surprised he was that Georgia is just now hiring a nutritionist to go along with the new strength and conditioning philosophy. Current player are upset of having to go to cafeteria 3 times a day versus Wendy’s and Chik-F-La. Richt has a long way to go before his house is back in order. Very disappointing as it appears players have lost respect
Geaux Tigers!
February 8th, 2011
2:00 pm
They are pressured to perform and get nothing in return except the long shot chance of going pro.
_____________________________________
umm as a college kid who is paying his way, I disagree with that comment. They get a free education and degree if they finish. Sure they are asked to do a lot but they are given a lot as well.
Big Earl
February 8th, 2011
2:00 pm
It’s time for the rising upperclassmen to take charge and clean house. They need to let Ealey and everyone else on the team know that if this stuff happens, there will be hell to pay to the rest of the team…not the coaches! I’m talkin to you Murray, Sturdivant, Glenn, Jones (Ben and Abry), Boykin, Tyson, Rambo, and Ogletree! Be leaders!!! You guys need to take Ealey out back and spank him. Let him and everybody else know THIS STUFF WILL NO LONGER BE TOLERATED BY THE REST OF THE TEAM!
Pacific Dawg
February 8th, 2011
2:01 pm
Buckeye
Finally, a dose of reality on your part. Ohio and the Suckeyes ain’t all that.
WDE
February 8th, 2011
2:01 pm
Geez, it just keeps getting weirder and weirder in Athens.
DAWG2003
February 8th, 2011
2:02 pm
What the upperclassmen should be motivated about is simple…(6-7). They should be motivated by that and have some pride. They look soft, weak, and just plain bad at football. Stop worrying about high school seniors and recruits that may take your starting job. Get mad that someone is calling you lazy and soft and go take it out on the weight room and the field. Go compete and earn your right to play. This entire roster should be competing for their right to play. You ALL are 6-7. That is a losing record. You are not winners. You are losers. Now go do something about it.
Call it what u want.....
February 8th, 2011
2:04 pm
Aint no dream team if Richt coaching. Lots o promises. No big wins.
Upperclassmen must not b needed.
I’d also go find a mascot that can live longer than 6 months. Inbreeding is bad.
beebee
February 8th, 2011
2:04 pm
in two years, this new bunch of football saviors will be right where this current bunch that y’all are saying to kick out is!
Ya never see such chaos at bama, florida, auburn, tennessee (no wait, not tennessee), arkansas, or south carolina.
UGAin’t’s the flaghship school in a bona fide top 5 rich football state. but can’t do shat with these kids.
DawginLexisDumb
February 8th, 2011
2:04 pm
“Afterall it was Cam Newton who got paid to play ”
Yet there isn’t any proof that anyone got paid.
DawginLex
February 8th, 2011
2:04 pm
Are you idiots part of the program in Athens?
None of us know how the upperclassmen are going to accept the Dream Teamers.
I have read where the upperclassmen are not accepting the Dream Teamers…… Uh, einstein, most of them are not on campus yet.
You people are too stupid to argue with.