Caleb King thanks UGA, will enter NFL supplemental draft
While I was offline and getting my computer serviced, Georgia’s most-recently-departed tailback Caleb King issued a statement through UGA’s sports communication office. I would have rather had him answer the questions I’ve been calling and texting and emailing him with the last several days, but I guess this will have to do.
In case you were vacationing in Fiji or something, King, the Bulldogs’ starting tailback, lost his academic eligibility at the end of this past week and will miss his senior season. As I reported in my original story, the NFL supplemental draft, which would have normally been conducted by now, remains his best and most viable option to continuing his football career.
Here’s the statement:
“My years at the University of Georgia have afforded me a tremendous opportunity to develop my skills on the field. Coach Mark Richt and the entire UGA football team and staff have been instrumental in my growth and development both on and off the gridiron. I have learned countless lessons that continue to mold me into a better individual and player. While I will miss my Bulldog family, I will continue to put my situation and future career in God’s hands. I look forward to pursuing an opportunity at the next level through the NFL’s supplemental draft and playing the game that I have loved since I was a young boy.”
|–Caleb King
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167 comments Add your comment
No Longer Silent Husker Fan
July 12th, 2011
5:24 pm
OK, I will not defend “Nebraska” as you call him but I cannot sit idly by reading comments about Tom Osborne. You guys have no clue when it comes to his integrity or the circumstances. He didn’t play LP because of a “win at all costs” mentality… NO, remember the names Tommy Frazier, how about Ahman Green, Chris Dishman, how about Aaron Grahm, NO? Grant Wistrom? Tom knew he didn’t need LP to win any game that year. Hell no team got within 14 point all year long. With T.O.’s legit christian beliefs he truely thought it was in LP’s best interest to stay in the organizational situation and structure of the team environment. He lost LP in the end and it hurt Tom terribly. T.O. did things the right way for the good of the players and the university and those of you who know not what you speak of shut your damn traps.
Snoop Dawg
July 12th, 2011
5:25 pm
It wouldn’t surprise Snoop Dawg is Caleb King is a NFL all-star. After all, he came to UGA as a five-star recruit, the best high school player in the country in 2207.
His talent was squandered by an incompetent coaching staff.
I wish Caleb King the best.
PS Caleb King could not have written the statement because he cannot write.
PT
July 12th, 2011
5:26 pm
Chip – It’s nice that you are informing us about Caleb’s future, but really, how cares.
Really!?
July 12th, 2011
5:30 pm
Zack Mettenberger and Quincy Carter anyone?
English Teacher
July 12th, 2011
5:36 pm
The guy is illiterate. He obviously did not write the press release. Compare it to his twitter comments. UGA really did him a favor. Three years and he can’t write one sentence without a grammatical error.
Danny G
July 12th, 2011
5:39 pm
Big 10? I remember when that actually meant something. Now, it is just another conference with a couple of good teams and a bunch of losers. Hell, Nebraska’s coach was a techster. Sad. SEC! Real football. Real Athletes.
JAWJeRDAWG
July 12th, 2011
5:44 pm
Big Ten Champs Nebraska, the new Tide Roll of the mid-West.
Good luck to you, Caleb, in whatever your future holds. .. Go Dawgs!
sheepdawg
July 12th, 2011
5:45 pm
Nebraska is dead on. UGA’s athletics have destroyed the good name of our state’s flagship university. From the salaries paid to coaches, to recruiting and signing kids to scholarships who have absolutely no academic qualifications. Hopefully sanity will prevail in the end, much to the dismay of the the vocal minority that rant on every move of any dawg…….sad, but entertaining at the same time.
Dawg Whisperer
July 12th, 2011
5:57 pm
Get real. All this talk about the excellence or lack thereof among “college football athletes” is a waste of energy because the same circumstances apply to one and all. The only conference that truly has college football programs where the players emulate the average student is the Ivy League, not the Big Ten or any other. There are a few other schools, independent or otherwise, that come close but for the most part, there is little difference among them.
There is unlikely to be any change in the athletic climate at NCAA schools as long as there is big money to be made (thank you, TV). We all support it by our attendance at the games and watching them on the tube. Our hypocrisy about this issue is where the rubber meets the road.
NdawgC
July 12th, 2011
6:05 pm
Georgiaa most be doing something right for people who pull for a team thats not even in our conference to get on here a slander us. wow. Makes me prouder to be a bulldog.
UGA Alumnus
July 12th, 2011
6:10 pm
@Big Ten Champs Nebraska
July 12th, 2011
2:43 pm
Hines Ward “getting busted” says absolutely nothing about “the program”. Probably 80% of the people on this blog drink and drive. There are degrees of drinking and driving. For all we know, Hines Ward had a beer at a restaurant and left for home. That’s enough to get you a DUI. It’s obviously not the same as have 6 beers and driving.
A grown man is not impaired after a beer, but the law doesn’t care about that.
indianman
July 12th, 2011
6:24 pm
nebraska you wish your school has class like georgia doe.s so drop it
bamaguy
July 12th, 2011
6:31 pm
The sad truth is that at least half of the players on any major college team would not be in college if they didn’t play football. There are notable exceptions, but most come with hopes of an NFL career not a PhD. I hope the NFL works out for him he really doesn’t have an option two.
student vs not a student
July 12th, 2011
6:35 pm
Great complimentary articles in the AJC today.
On one hand you have a player not making it academically.
In another article you have a fine upstanding Aerospace Engineer show what happens when you work hard………
http://blogs.ajc.com/georgia-tech-sports/2011/07/12/bedford-on-2010-people-started-to-look-for-excuses/?cxntfid=blogs_georgia_tech_sports
Well duh it is a UGA blog
July 12th, 2011
6:36 pm
UGA Alumnus “Probably 80% of the people on this blog drink and drive.”
I wonder if 80% know their ABCs?
Beast from the East
July 12th, 2011
6:40 pm
Intersting article on who’s the “dirtiest” conference.
My vote? Whatever conference had Pete Carrol and replaced him with Lame Kitten!
http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20110712/ARTICLES/110719926?tc=cr
coondawg69
July 12th, 2011
6:50 pm
Big Ten Champs Nebraska = dateless wonder!!!
Ted Striker
July 12th, 2011
6:56 pm
Chip, I really enjoy your coverage and have never had anything except positive things to say to or about you. However….
Your column could have been written without the following sentence.
“I would have rather had him answer the questions I’ve been calling and texting and emailing him with the last several days, but I guess this will have to do.”
I’m not defender of King or his actions however that was over the line.
That said, keep up the 99.99% good work. Just don’t take it personally when someone who’s had trouble doesn’t call you back.
Contractor
July 12th, 2011
7:08 pm
I have never been a fan of Caleb King. I never wish a younger person a bad future, but he was nothing but trouble, and I do not see his future holding anything except failure. These kids are given the golden opportunity of getting a free education, while also beefing up their resume to potentially make millions as professional athletes. The fact that he could not pass his classes with all of the extra help and support they get being football players is insane. The curriculum is made for them to pass, and I highly doubt he was in Business School or Veterinary School, so it’s not that dang tough to where a kid has to throw away a future in football because the classes are too hard. This, along with the other troubles he was having with the football program show you that he better grow up fast as lighting, or he will fail yet again. Best of luck to him, and thanks for his services, but I also have to congratulate him on throwing away the opportunity of a lifetime. I’m ready to see what Ken Malcolm and Isaiah Crowell can do now, with no hurdles to jump, just be ready to play.
Troll Power Ratings
July 12th, 2011
7:08 pm
@student vs not a student: God bless TECH; we need more engineers. Unfortunately for TROLLS, the pool of rocket surgeons and super college football players tends not to have much overlap, therefore Georgia is very likely to continue to kick TECH’s a**. We’re aware of and comfortable with those facts. Back to the Legos, sport. Football is a nice diversion for most Georgia grads and fans. Ironically it seems to be much more personal for TECHIES. Later Buzz…
bubba4dawgs
July 12th, 2011
7:12 pm
Thank You, Caleb, for all your contributions at UGA! My concerns and interests in your success continues! Best of luck, work hard and never give up your dream. Remember, never, never, never, never give up! UGA is family and you will always be a part of that! Go and make us proud!! God Bless You!!
big john 360 lbs
July 12th, 2011
7:28 pm
Nebraska must have tucked tail and gone back to his fantasy land.
Hmmmm
July 12th, 2011
7:30 pm
No “Alabama, University of ” in his lists????? SHOCKING, lol.
UGA? R U Kidding?
July 12th, 2011
7:36 pm
Pretty sad when you can’t stay eligible at UGA. Maybe AJ can help him prepare for wonderlic.
Still@theBAR
July 12th, 2011
7:50 pm
WHAT? King can’t finish that HOUSING DEGREE and get a job? AHHAHAHAH
Dude go smoke your Blunt, go find a Baby Mama, get that GoMent housing, and be a good Garbageman wearing your UGA hat and T-Shirt.
Still@theBAR
July 12th, 2011
7:52 pm
bubba4dawgs
UGA is family and you will always be a part of that!
Are you for real or just REAL dumb? UGA fans will never care about anything king does now. Hell they are mad the Stafford left early, that AJ sold his jersey and cost them a season. UGA fans will HATE king for the rest of his life.
Caleb King thanks UGA, will enter NFL supplemental draft – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)
July 12th, 2011
8:07 pm
[...] Caleb King thanks UGA, will enter NFL supplemental draftAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Very sad but all too common You mean no Nebraska football player in the last 10 years has ever been pulled over for DUI? Does the name Lawrence Phillips ring a bell? More serious than DUI. Good luck, Caleb! UGA has a fantastic history of placing even … [...]
77DAWG
July 12th, 2011
8:19 pm
God bless you Mr. King and you too, Mr. CHDawg. Nice post indeed,
bitter "OLE" School Dogs-fan
July 12th, 2011
8:48 pm
corn shucker—take a corn stalk and shove it up “ur” as———
——————————————just saying looser——————-dawgs rule
Poopdawg
July 12th, 2011
8:51 pm
Still@, step away and call a cab.
ugab
July 12th, 2011
8:51 pm
Does King think the NFL is easier than College? hahahaha. I will take up for Ealey, King, and Samuel. MR and Bobo’s offense is to obvious. Everyone knows what the next play is going to be. MR has not put together an OL that can open holes and block since????? I can’t even remember. Yes!!! King, Samuel, and Ealey are 4 and 5 star recruits.What If they would have went to a college with a good OL? A SINGLE RB IS NOT GOING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITHOUT BLOCKING!!!! CROWELL IS GOING TO GO THROUGH THE SAME THING. IT STARTS IN THE TRENCHES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL. MR WILL LEARN!! IT WILL BE TO LATE. BUT THE SEC WILL TEACH MR WHAT WINS FOOTBALL GAMES. OL AND DL!!!! TEAMS ARE BUILT IN THE TRENCHES.
Still@theBAR
July 12th, 2011
9:04 pm
Poopdawg
July 12th, 2011
8:51 pm
Still@, step away and call a cab.
Sorry, I will have to be here for a few more hours. I hate closing but I do get to sleep late. I trust my Day Manager a lot. I never trust a Night Manager when business is good and even less when the business is slow.
Still@theBAR
July 12th, 2011
9:10 pm
Does the NFL require an entrance exam for the Draft? I bet king can color inside the lines on half the test.
kerryb
July 12th, 2011
9:10 pm
All of these stupid Nebraska fans with their dumb comments need to stay off UGA blogs. All I have to do is mention one name. Lawrence Phillips. There. You are now trumped.
JRW7
July 12th, 2011
9:32 pm
The NFL is not going to draft CK!!!!!!
Mobile Dawg
July 12th, 2011
9:38 pm
ugab, you are 100% correct. Trenches. Is it a coincidence that’s where the game of life is won for most of us. There’s no easy way, those that try and take that easy fork in the road seldom have the good to show for taking the easy way out. I heard a statistic today that I see first hand every day. The unemployment rate for young black males is 40%. Our society has done a tremendous disservice to the lower classes of America by giving them everything they need for basic survival. It’s been going on so long now that the average young person brought up in this environment doesn’t know how to go about preparing themselves for a productive life. That’s sad. Then people on blogs tear these kids up for trying to make it the only way they can. Children like Caleb’s parents have failed them, society has failed them, CMR has failed them.
Dr. Dave
July 12th, 2011
9:53 pm
Snoop Dog, what have you been smoking. Caleb was a 5 star until he broke his leg in high school, and he was never the same, His career at UGA was marred by several injuries, and even mor academic problems, which is why he is where he is today. Normally if someone just shows up to class and does a minimum of work, they can pass. He was either lazy, egotistical or maybe just not very smart. None of that had anything to do with coaching.
Gotta Go
July 12th, 2011
10:00 pm
To the Nebraska guy: At least we don’t run to the Big 10,11,12, etc to be relevant.
Mr. SEC
July 12th, 2011
10:10 pm
Who is going to take Crowell under their wings and teach all he needs to know now?
Actually
July 12th, 2011
10:14 pm
I don’t know why “nebraska” is on here slamming Caleb King. He actually has alot in common with him. He was here, and now he’s gone.
Mobile Dawg
July 12th, 2011
10:18 pm
Interesting question SEC. I don’t even have an educated guess. I don’t think he would have a “lot” in common with anyone on the coaching staff. I don’t think he and Murray are the “pal” types.
unemployment line
July 12th, 2011
10:25 pm
as long as he keeps relying on God to do everything for him he will continue to be an illiterate, aimless, and lost young man.
At least he had his Mom write his exit speech.
Pago Pago DAWG
July 12th, 2011
10:26 pm
So who cares about king? Another bust…..oh, you just know his parents will make him return to get his degree…
Paul in RDU
July 13th, 2011
12:10 am
Wow – looks like the guy from Nebraska really got under a bunch of people’s skin. I am a little surprised to read that a school that has gone 9-2 vs the SEC since 1980, won 3 MNC’s in the last 20 years (which is 3 more than UGA and GT combined), including beating the SEC Champions in the MNC Game 62-24 (UF in the Jan 96 Fiesta Bowl) and 42-17 (UT in the Jan 98 Orange Bowl) is irrelevant in the world of CFB.
Tech is Rennie's B!TC#
July 13th, 2011
12:47 am
good luck caleb
Thomas Brown
July 13th, 2011
12:51 am
QUOTE
Could Caleb King Save The Season? Posted by Buck Belue at 6/21/2011 11:00 AM
Crazy talk, uh? Then, call me crazy. Seriously, this is a likely scenario in 2011. One of the storylines that will probably play out: Caleb King saves the season.
Think about it…Boise State and South Carolina loom. Richt’s reportedly on the hot seat, coming off a losing season. The ‘Dogs need to play at a high level to START the season. Coaches trust in the veterans in this situation. The upperclassmen get the benefit of the doubt.
And the chances are Crowell’s not ready to be the lead ‘Dog.
Tote the rock 20 times against Boise State? No. Don’t believe so. And when Aaron Murray throws it, will Crowell know who to block and can he block them? Can’t plan on that really.
Caleb King looks to me like a young man in a good position. He’s motivated to have a big senior season. It’s his last shot to impress NFL scouts. He’s in the best shape of his life and can play physical at 220-plus. Caleb can hold up between the tackles, burst it outside, catch it and protect. Solid all-around skill set. And again: he’s motivated and capable of being the lead ‘Dog.
And now, Isaiah Crowell is supposed to come in as a freshman and take all the playing time?
The track record says Caleb King is going to disappoint you. Understand that. But I’m not buying it this time.
I see a 1,000 yard season. 200 carries and 12 TD runs. A 5 yard per carry average. And as it turns out, a positive influence on Crowell.
I know, call me crazy.
END QUOTE
Thank you Buck.
http://blogs.buckbelue.com/2011/06/21/could-caleb-king-save-the-season.aspx?ref=rss?results=1
DownSouthDirtyDawg
July 13th, 2011
1:06 am
Its sad that so many people would say such ugly, classless things about this young man. He’s a kid, bottom line. He may be 23 years old but hell I know plenty of people who are 33 years and they still dont have a grasp on life. He made a mistake, but its not the end of the world. Instead of being so negative, how about expressing some words of encouragement to the young man. Life is simply about living and learning and lets all hope that he learns from this mistake and matures into a better person. Take care Caleb and good luck! (from a real UGA fan)
RMikel58
July 13th, 2011
2:01 am
Nebraska- They never played in the SEC and for years upon years the only team they had to play was Oklahoma. Anybody that plays teams at or below .500 shoud win every game. They know this though there in Nebraska.
Why do they have no arrests there? No cops only bean farmers that have a Volunteer Fire Dept. and Police Dept. and since theyre in Nebraska guess what? Theyre huge Corn Husker Fans. Theyre not gonna arrest players that help Nebraska win.
The mindset out there is totally opposite of Athens. Those cops in Athens are crooked and racists. Get out of line and you’ll be in the pokey all weekend. Go to Atlanta being white and youre going to jail.
Nebraska and Oklahoma had nobody to play but eachother for numbers of years whether you care to admit or not. Im not gonna sit here and tell you that they were sorry teams because they werent. They just had an easy schedule with multiple wins of atleast 8 game wins per season guaranteed.
With that conference anybody could have been a great coach just as long as they coached oklahoma or nebraska. It’s true and they know this.
(REBUTTLE) Cause i know this was coming! Both Oklahoma and Nebraska had 3-4 weeks to prepare for their bowl games which is why they won so many championships.
Now come over to the SEC and spend 20 years here and see how many games you win a year and then how many bowls you go to. Why do you think S.California was so good?
They played nobody! Same as Ohio State and Michigan. Nobody! Notre Dame played in the Independent Conference and see who was there! Nobody.
The SEC has more top 25 schools than anyone, more in Bowl Games etc,. Its not anyone fault with the league their in, nor am i saying tose are punk schools but lets compare apples to apples. The SEC not only has better players , they have as a whole better coaches.
The SEC is a tough league to play in. Thats why were so beat up before going to Bowl Games and that is we play 7-8 games a year playing eachother and most of these schools are no push overs.
So before anyone comes on here and glorifies there Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ohio St., Michigan, USC Trojans, and Notre Dame schools keep in mind where their at.
Overall in all the sports the SEC has won more events than other conferences because its the place to be if you want to compete that is.
Thomas Brown
July 13th, 2011
2:35 am
He made a mistake ?
Good Lord.
He was a horrible football player, feigning injuries, getting but 1 carry the whole game many different games, suspended for multiple games, arrested multiple times, told Ken Malcome that being the tailback at UGA was no fun at all just a grind he told him this time last year, FLUNKED OUT, told a gal he was dating that he was not about to ever pay her back the $500 she loaned him Spring Break last year and that if she brought it up again that he would publish nude pics and video of her on the Internet, never not 1 time had a good game against any even reasonable rush defense, fumbled the football at the most inopportune times, was the # 1 football player overall in the state of Georgia and ends his 5 years here with 240 yards a year to show for it, missed numerous blocks that were again at the most inopportune times, was a total cancer to the football team, and just when Buck Belue says he will accomplish one thing positive ever in his life, again fails on his academics just as he did to cost us the bowl game in the last game last season, is the single biggest disappointment according to Mark Richt all Spring and all Summer long that there is not 1 single running back who has earned the starting spot, never wanted to play, thought and still thinks he is a guy who does not have to GATA, felt entitled and still feels entitled, thinks a Summons to Court is something that only his Uncle has to go to, flunked out of Parkview, had to go to Atlanta Christian because of his grades in high school and even then just barely qualified, is a mean, nasty, underachiever, go with no heart and zero effort, a guy who after Brookwood beat his sorry attitude said to the press afterwards that he didn’t want to talk to them, has done the same here at UGA all 5 years, October 8, 2010 found his brother living with him and 1 of the 2 of them was a thief, is a total hot dog, and all through all of this all 5 years six including the recruitment of him and all that bad press too has had Mark Richt cover for him make excuses for him and hand him the starting job here – and, if Mark Richt does lose his job over his poor coaching staff these 10 years of nothingness the last 5 of which are totally Caleb Darnell King’s fault, he alone will cost Mark Richt his job.
“He made a mistake” DownSouthDirtyDawg ? Which one
RMikel58
July 13th, 2011
2:42 am
Getting back to Caleb King……… Its your fault for taken college so lightly. Itsa rigorous scenario to being an athlete-student. Its Georgia’s fault as well. They should keep a better eye on their players and go the extra mile to help.
Not saying they didnt but nor am i saying they did. In the end it falls upon your shoulders to stay in school.
Things arent the way they used to be with ppl being more self-centered, no time for their own families, what have you done for me lately attitudes, and teachers not giving a crap these days.
Im so glad im not a youngster anymore because its pure hell to just being a person with the way society is today.
I bet youre just as confused about direction as you were 3 years ago when you came to Georgia. It could be your upbringing, or your regiment of how to spend your day. Unfortunately all big schools are like this, they recruit you, point the finger and expect you to be a robot without any issues.
So its easier for them to discard you if you arent being productive. They just reload! Not using you as an example but Georgia doesnt seem interested in recruiting players that have a good GPA as much as how many stars he has beside his name.
If youre fast and a great athlete youre in and we’ll worry bout the grades later. This is like loading a double barrel shot gun. I have seen more and more an increase in athletes going to jail for robbery, arson, DUI, and now grades but with more frequency.
I really think the problem lies with what type person they are and how their raised. Most of the kids that leave early for the NFL are African Americans (oxymoron) and the ones who get into trouble are AA.
I think these kids that are recruited by top colleges are Black and they are recruited based solely on talent and not what their GPA is.
Not saying that everyone that is Black has problems but i think its where they come from and most black kids come from single parent homes. We hardly ever see White Kids get into trouble and see alot of them graduate.
Im the only one that says what alot of people are thinking in the back of their minds. Though its awful and tragic to only have 1 parent it doesnt give anyone an excuse to commit crimes because you should already know better but this comes from parenting skills.
I have 5 kids, 2 in college, 1 in aviation and 2 in highschool. You can only give them direction until they leave home and hope for the best. So far none of them have been arrested or gone to jail or got kicked out of school.
If you come to Georgia and commit a crime well its because you were doing that before you came here and was raised that way or you had nobody watching over you to make sure you always did the right thing.
Your mom or dad let you associate yourself with bad people and let you live your life as you sought fit. Seems to me that single moms that have such gifted kids exploit them and groom them for sports and not graduating for their own personal gain to enrich their life in someway.
This doesnt mean the parents are terrible people but they have bad parenting skills. They only want their kid to make millions just so they can live a lavish life and not work anymore. So why is Caleb King going to the NFL?
Money and to provide for his mom. Its that simple otherwise the education would be priority #1. Georgia’s Football team is comprised of mostly African Americans and very few white kids get a chance to play there and i think its because in their mindset its the stereo-typical saying that Blacks are better athletes.
So for once call me a bigot or a racists dont matter, i think if Georgia knew more about who they recruiting than worrying about how many stars they had beside their name we would have so many early departures and as many arrests if they recruited kids with higher GPA’s.
But im probably the only white person that would actually say this publically but there are scores of people that are season ticket holders who think like i do but are too afraid to say it .