Richt: King’s 2-game suspension reflects tougher penalties for arrests
(Updated 4 p.m.)
ATHENS — Caleb King, Georgia’s starting tailback in both of its victories this season, won’t play in the next two games because of his arrest for failure to appear in court to address a speeding ticket.
Coach Mark Richt on Tuesday suspended King for the two games, saying he hopes the punishment teaches a lesson to the tailback and other players.
In years past, a case such as King’s might have drawn a shorter suspension, if any at all. But with King the 11th UGA football player arrested this year, Richt acknowledged the two-game ban reflects a tougher approach to punishing players for off-field incidents.
“Oh yeah, no doubt about it,” Richt said. “But they knew that.”
King won’t play in Saturday’s home game against Vanderbilt or the Oct. 23 game at Kentucky. He’ll return for the Oct. 30 game against Florida in Jacksonville.
The 11 Georgia players arrested this year, on charges ranging from battery to public intoxication, have drawn varying penalties from Richt. Four of the players were dismissed from the team. Another decided to transfer after being suspended for six games. Three others got one-game suspensions.
The latest suspension came one day after King was arrested by Athens-Clarke County Police on a bench warrant issued by a judge in nearby Walton County. The warrant was for failing to appear at an August court date regarding a June speeding ticket, which cited King for traveling 76 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone on Highway 78.
“I expect all our players to take care of their responsibilities on and off the field,” Richt said. “When players don’t do that, it damages the reputation of the player, our team and our university. My goal is for Caleb to learn a lesson and for other players to learn from his experience.”
King’s penalty was double that drawn by fellow tailback Washaun Ealey, who was suspended for one game –- the season-opening victory over Louisiana-Lafayette –- after his late-August arrest for hit-and-run of a parked vehicle and driving with a suspended license. At the time of Ealey’s arrest, there also was a bench warrant against him for failure to appear in court on speeding and vehicle registration charges.
Asked if King’s stiffer penalty reflects a tougher standard, Richt said: “Yes sir.” Asked if it reflects a need to send a message, Richt said: “Obviously.”
Although Richt emphasized that each player “has a responsibility to do the right thing,” the coach said he and athletic director Greg McGarity are having “an ongoing conversation” about ways to reduce the off-field problems. “I really have a lot of confidence that [McGarity] has some good ideas in that regard,” Richt said.
Already, Richt said, his staff is periodically checking to make sure players’ driver’s licenses are in good standing. “We’ve been doing that monthly,” he said, “but now we are going to do it weekly.”
Richt said, however, that it would be almost impossible for the staff to know when a bench warrant is issued for a player’s failure to handle a traffic ticket, as in the King case. “You basically would have to get in contact with every single county in the state of Georgia on a daily basis to find out if something like that popped up,” Richt said.
Several players said the team is well aware that off-field problems will have serious consequences.
“Enough has happened that I think the team is tired of it, the coaching staff is tired of it and the athletic director and everyone associated with the University of Georgia is [too],” quarterback Aaron Murray said. “We definitely have seen a little too much of everything that is going on. We’ve just got to be smart as a team … on and off the field.”
Said wide receiver Tavarres King: “Everybody knows at this point in time, if you get in trouble, you’re going to get a pretty good lashing.”
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842 comments Add your comment
Chick
October 12th, 2010
1:06 pm
AltahamaDawg,
Your thought process is scary.
Charles
October 12th, 2010
1:09 pm
Look like CMR is trying to turn the puppies into the Miami thug teams of the 80’s, except the winning part.
Chick
October 12th, 2010
1:10 pm
Everyone,
Charles gets it. Couldn’t say it better.
Jiggy Smaha
October 12th, 2010
1:10 pm
You idiots demanding “zero tolerance” are just that—idiots. Not taking care of a speeding ticket is in no way the same as underage-drinking or DUI or assault……..Believe it or not, Georgia doesn’t recruit perfect people….they recruit kids who do stupid things sometime…..they recruit the SAME kids that other schools are recruiting……What King did was stupid and he paid the consequence…..he does not deserve to be booted……..
And I bet all you folks living in those glass houses would have to have your entire past scrutinized….
Caleb's momma
October 12th, 2010
1:11 pm
My baby didn’t do these things. Ya’ll stop picking on my baby.
Helsing
October 12th, 2010
1:11 pm
The punishment fits the crime. Good job CMR!
Ace
October 12th, 2010
1:11 pm
Chick is right, UGA fans need to feel like a win over KY is nothing, they don’t deserve to be on the field with the mighty doggies, its an attitude we don’t like – having to respect other teams.
Barrack on Crack
October 12th, 2010
1:13 pm
I remember when these stupid flebags use to make fun of Fla State and called them the criminoles. POT MEET KETTLE!!!!!!!!!!
Chick
October 12th, 2010
1:13 pm
First Caleb had the scooter thing. Then remember he had the issue where the other player broke the surveillance camera at the hospital and the police report noted that Caleb was mouthing off. Then he gets a ticket and says screw it I have better things to do with my time. Someone out there tell me when enough is enough…………
Jason
October 12th, 2010
1:13 pm
One thing is for sure, his Yards Per Game stats wont look that much different.
Ace
October 12th, 2010
1:13 pm
Based on the remareks, at least we all know driving fast is safe and a ticket is just the man’s way of keeping us down.
LOST DAWG FAN
October 12th, 2010
1:16 pm
UGA=UNIVERSITY OF GETTING ARRESTED
Jason
October 12th, 2010
1:16 pm
Chick, actually Altamahdawg’s logic is very rational and the situation very plausible. Have you any experience on that road? I have and know exactly what he means. Go back to your own board, if your schitty team actually has one.
munsondawg
October 12th, 2010
1:18 pm
It is what it is…… Two things will never change – Mark Richt & Caleb King.
God help our football program……
Inthecellar
October 12th, 2010
1:18 pm
Would it not be better to have less talented players you can depend on and train than great players you can not control or do not live by the rules? The hell with suspension, I say kick them off the team and take away their scholarship.
Chick
October 12th, 2010
1:18 pm
Jason,
I have been on that road as well and managed to follow the laws and rules. Really wasn’t that hard actually.
Thumper
October 12th, 2010
1:18 pm
Zero tolerance is a liberal blanket policy that is suitable for mindless drones. It requires no critical thinking or the taking in of the totality of the circumstances. So all of you upstanding folks who support “zero tolerance” just remember…..don’t say a dam thing when your child accidentally takes a pair of finger nail clippers to school and gets expelled for a weapons charge.
Early Christmas
October 12th, 2010
1:18 pm
All I want this year is for all of the dream scenarios to come true (long shots at best) and for uga to win the east. Get beat by Tech in Athens and then go to win in Atlanta in Dec (another long shot). When all of these scenarios have played out, Tech will be able to rightly claim they are the true SEC champs. Extend the lead in sec titles that Tech has over uga. Would definitely make for a great Christmas.
Spurrier
October 12th, 2010
1:18 pm
When Richt talks the only thing the players hear is blah,blah,blah.
munsondawg
October 12th, 2010
1:19 pm
Lostdawgfan,
Best post yet.
just askin?
October 12th, 2010
1:20 pm
Any truth that this was simply an accident? King never really knew he had gotten a ticket, he dropped it as soon as the Sheriff handed it off to him.
cantondawg
October 12th, 2010
1:20 pm
Here is my solution to the discipline problem.
If someone gets DUI -Kick them off the team immediately
If someone gets arrested or in trouble other than DUI or felony- PUNISH EVERYONE ON THE TEAM FOR THEIR ACTIONS. MAKE THE WHOLE TEAM RUN EXTRA.
I guarantee you that once the first person get his ass kicked by the rest of the team that the other ones will be afraid to get into trouble.
46-39
October 12th, 2010
1:21 pm
The truth is, Thanks for saying that. Either there are a lot of Tech posters on here that would LOVE to see one of our RB dismissed or there are a lot of ignorant people here (one in the same)… ZERO TOLORANCE did not come from UGA…it came from reporters asking if UGA has a ZERO tolorance…UGA never stated this to be true.
mdawg
October 12th, 2010
1:21 pm
how does someone not know if they have a ticket?
cmr shouldve kicked him off the team flat out.
Meanwhile @ Florida
October 12th, 2010
1:22 pm
Chris rainey who threatened to KILL his ex-GF will be reinstated and play this weekend. Now caleb dont seem so bad huh??
5150 P.O.A.D
October 12th, 2010
1:22 pm
But Mommy lil Johnny did worser than I did and his mommy didn’t punish him!
I know that line worked for me all the time.
Don’t worry about what is happening at UF or UF or Tech. That is not the house you UGA fans need to get in order. Now is it?
2010 FULMER CUP WINNER UGA w/20pt UT 10th w/11pt UF 11th w/10pt Tech 41st w/2 pts
2009 UGA not in 45 UT not in 45 UF 12th w/7pt Tech not in 45
2008 UGA 7th w/15pt UT 10th w/11pt UF 13th w/10pt Tech 17th w8pt
2007 UGA 9th w/10pt UT16th w/7 UF 3rd w/17pt Tech not in 45
2006 UGA 9th w/4pt UT 5th w/8pt UF 6th w/6pt Tech not in 45
Chick Fa Lay
October 12th, 2010
1:22 pm
Yes it is just a traffic incident, but “Ya gotta use your noodles guys”. CMR is getting more bad publicity when he least needs it. Honestly, giving it his 2nd infraction (traffic related or not) and giving Bakers dismissal, then CMR should have dismissed him.
1- King first offense? It was a teachable moment is the excuse
1- Baker offense? Underage DUI- Is that not a teachable moment for CMR?
2-Kind 2nd traffic related offense?- At this point King is just ignorant and has no fear of punishment from CMR.
2 Offenses very similar in nature? King should have been dismissed. He should have known better and ignorance or an I forgot is not a valid reason anymore. CMR is failing to teach accountability.
Georgia Wins in Jacksonville
October 12th, 2010
1:23 pm
You heard it here first—Georgia will beat florida in jacksonville in a huge upset. Florida’s in disarray and they have a lot of injuries. Murray’s > brantley and AJ Green is better than any florida receiver. With Caleb King and Ealey, UGA will run all over the mediocre UF D, that gave up 31 to bama and 32 to lsu!
Ace
October 12th, 2010
1:23 pm
Richt says he would have to check with all the counties to tell if a player has a ticket, heck I would just ask them and make an example of a liar.
DumbArseKing
October 12th, 2010
1:23 pm
I do not feel anything for anyone who drinks AND DRIVE. Really Caleb? REALLY?
Ben
October 12th, 2010
1:23 pm
I agree Charles. He may hold himself to high standards but not the players. No difference between them and the U but their winning percentage. Oh and this is not a 1 year thing, has been happening for 10 yrs now. I guess it’s acceptable for a school that hired Harrick.
cALEB THE kING
October 12th, 2010
1:25 pm
Man, I didn’t feel like playing against them candies at vandy and UK anyway. CMR lettin’me off da hook…2 week vacation, BABY!!!See ya in Jax
Meanwhile @ Florida
October 12th, 2010
1:25 pm
Chris “Time to Die” Rainey will play this weekend….
Spurrier
October 12th, 2010
1:25 pm
Chick – get back in the kitchen and make me some lunch!
Stolen Jersey's for Sale, Cars, Computers, Rings - call 1-800-uga-
October 12th, 2010
1:26 pm
Enter your comments here
Ace
October 12th, 2010
1:26 pm
UGA cannot win against the GATORS.
Really?
October 12th, 2010
1:27 pm
DumbArseKing – hey moron King was drinking! Now who is the dumbarse?
Ace
October 12th, 2010
1:28 pm
Trust me I am a pet detective!
I is back
October 12th, 2010
1:29 pm
GREAT JOB, CMR – Let’s really TEACH your players lessons and responsibility; suspend a player for TWO WHOLE FREAK’N GAMES. Boy, you really showed Caleb (and the rest of the team) that you mean business. Suspend him against the bottom dewellers of the SEC (Yandy-Dandy, and KY-U).
Yea – you really showed him – NOT
Down with Saban!
October 12th, 2010
1:30 pm
I think a few Dawg fans are talking about whipping UF a little too much. Less you forget UF has lost to 2 ranked opponents, UGA has only beaten 2 unranked opponents. Calm down a bit before you kicked in the teeth by another “soft” opponent.
Pluto
October 12th, 2010
1:30 pm
@ Chris I have been arrested in my young and dumb days. At that age (early 20s) there is not a whole lot of sense to be had. I don’t blame them because they are football players or just plain old knuckleheads; most folks(men) just aren’t very bright at that point in life. My wife calls it masculine retardation.
DawgAlum
October 12th, 2010
1:31 pm
It isn’t about what Caleb King DID that is an issue. He was arrested…for the second time in his career at UGA. I agree that failing to appear in court and a DUI are nowhere near the same offense. BUT the reasoning behind them are the same…irresponsibilty and poor judgment. To say that he “forgot” is just inexcusable. Did he not think to himself (while the team was being scolded about all the previous arrests), “Hey, maybe I should take care of that speeding ticket I got awhile back? I was supposed to go to court a few months ago.” No, Caleb, tickets don’t just disappear. The money shouldn’t have been an issue either. If he had gone to COURT, he probably could have gotten the fine knocked down and done some community service. So he gets suspended for two games (but of course he will be back in time for the UF game). I am a GA fan through and through, but this is absurd. It is an embarassment to the program and the school. CMR…I feel for you. You shouldn’t have to teach these boys how to be responsible human beings; they have parents. But you have failed to put the fear of God in them. They don’t fear being in trouble or ruining their football careers because they know that they will probably get a slap on the wrist. I understand that letting King go would have brought about some unfavorbale scenarios. But a 2 game suspension? I don’t know Richt…
out of control dogs
October 12th, 2010
1:31 pm
THUGA THUGA THUGA THUGA THUGA THUGA
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THUGA THUGA THUGA THUGA THUGA THUGA
KimZ'sPackage
October 12th, 2010
1:31 pm
Sounds like The Vols, The Gators, and the Dawgs all should wear Orange Uniforms.
I is back
October 12th, 2010
1:31 pm
At least who was suspended!
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gator_clause/2010/08/gators-freshmen-matt-elam-and-solomon-patton-arrested-for-possession-of-alcohol.html
Clean House
October 12th, 2010
1:31 pm
Yes caleb king is a thug according to his record. Mark Richt is a softee like the rest of these losers on this blog..king shouldve been booted off the team…
UGAX
October 12th, 2010
1:31 pm
A Two Game suspension would be sufficient if this were King’s first offense, but it’s not- it’s his THIRD. And considering the fact that he threatened to post nude pics and video of a girl who loaned him $500 and had the gall to ask to be repaid demonstrates just what type of person we are dealing with here. Kick King off the team and pull the redshirt off of Malcome. Who knows, the last RB we redshirted was a guy named Knowshon. Maybe we can get at least 2.5 seasons out of Malcome before he turns pro.
bulldogmaniac
October 12th, 2010
1:32 pm
I DONT THINK THAT HE SHOULD EVEN BE SUSPENDED!!!!
LOOK at it this way………You get a parking ticket or speeding ticket……does your boss at your job fire or suspend you???? If you were a student would your teacher kick you out of class or school????
Give me a break! Oh, by the way….you AJC reporters need to get a life and write about real news!
Stolen Jersey's for Sale, Cars, Computers, Rings - call 1-800-uga-
October 12th, 2010
1:34 pm
Solution to the arrests of uga criminals: Put the players in full Burka’s as the required uniform. At least then, witnesses cannot identify them.
bulldogmaniac
October 12th, 2010
1:34 pm
Proper punishment>>>>>>>> 100 wind sprints! END OF STORY