Richt: Drew ‘very fortunate’ scooter accident wasn’t worse
ATHENS — Another Georgia football player is sidelined with an injury from a motor-scooter accident — the second this summer.
Ray Drew, a highly touted freshman outside linebacker, suffered a separated right shoulder when he lost control of his scooter while returning to his dorm from church on Sunday. He is expected to miss practice until at least next week.
According to Athens-Clarke County Police, the accident occurred when Drew was driving downhill on Baldwin Street around 11:50 a.m., applied his brakes and was ejected from the scooter.
He was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital, where he was treated and released. No charges were filed and no other vehicles were involved in the incident, police said.
“Very thankfully, he wore his helmet,” coach Mark Richt said Monday. “He landed on his helmet and his shoulder. Another good thing was the shoulder won’t require any surgery. It was a separation, not a dislocation; the separation was not severe enough to warrant surgery. … He’s very fortunate it wasn’t worse than it was.”
Said Drew, via Twitter: “I’m so glad I don’t look like what I’ve been through … praise God.”
Officially, Georgia director of sports medicine Ron Courson listed Drew’s status as “day-to-day.” Richt said the chances of Drew returning to practice this week are “very slim.”
Many UGA athletes use small, motorized scooters to get around campus.
Tous scooter accident involving a Georgia athlete was the 2009 incident that left baseball player Chance Veazey paralyzed.
In July, defensive end Derrick Lott suffered a deep laceration on his right leg while attempting to park his scooter outside Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall. He missed the start of preseason practice but returned last week.
“We’ll look at it and talk about it,” Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said Monday of the athletes’ use of scooters.
“But what’s the alternative?” he added, noting the shortage of parking spaces for cars.
Said Richt: “It’s very difficult for some of these guys to get where they have to get because there is such a short window of time in between class and the tutoring and the study hall and lunch and getting here for treatment and taping and all that. The scooters have allowed those guys to get around, so I’m not ready to say no scooters. But they do need to be careful.”
A five-star prospect from Thomas County Central, Drew had been working as a second-team outside linebacker behind junior Cornelius Washington.
Washington said that he, coincidentally, started riding a scooter on Monday, unaware of Drew’s accident the day before.
“He’s walking around in a sling and what-not,” Washington said of Drew. “I don’t think he’s going to be on a scooter for a while.”
Etc.
Update from Monday’s practice on the injured tailbacks: Richard Samuel remained sidelined with a thigh injury; Isaiah Crowell wasn’t able to do much because of a groin injury; Ken Malcome was back at practice. … Samuel is unlikely to return to practice before next week but Crowell could come back possibly sooner, Richt said. … Offensive lineman Chris Burnette missed practice with a stomach bug. … Offensive lineman Austin Long, who has been sidelined with mononucleosis, was on the field in a green non-contact jersey. He is close to being able to practice, Richt said. … Richt was happy with Monday’s practice, particularly considering it was the first day of fall semester classes. “We’ve continued to have good leadership as far as trying to keep the energy flowing,” he said.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
286 comments Add your comment
Harold
August 15th, 2011
11:45 pm
The scooters are used by many students, not just athletes. I’m not sure if they are provided to athletes by the athletic department or not, but I do know that I have seen a lot of students riding them all over campus. Part of the problem is that Athens, is so crowded, and if you try to drive up there, especially on campus, while classes are in, you really have to have a sharp lookout. Not only are scooters everywhere (unlike when I was there in the late 90’s), but people on bicycles are everywhere too, and it’s hard enough dodging other cars, much less bicycles, and scooters. And, you have to do all of this while trying to keep your eyes on the road and off the Milledge Avenue sidewalks…especially during the summer!!!!
Columbus
August 16th, 2011
12:13 am
Boise St is going to get man-handled. Overpowered. Wore down. Can you say a good old-fashioned butt whooping? They are gonna get hit, shoved, pulled, drilled by our defense and by our fullbacks, tailbacks, linemen and tight ends while we run, run, and run some more. Come midway through the 3rd quarter, Boise is going to be ready to get a shower and go home instead of endure the wrath and tyranny that UGA is is going to unleash upon them and they will know they can do nothing more to stop the inevitable dominance and being the main course of the Big Dawg! May the Big Dawg Eat and Eat Well! Yes he will!
Loran, whatayagot?
August 16th, 2011
12:16 am
Maybe we should require that they use three wheel scooters. That third wheel makes them more stable. Or they might be safer on roller skates, childhood experience, ‘ya know.
RED DOG 77
August 16th, 2011
1:41 am
@Altamaha Dawg……..Thanx for the up-date on South Carolina. Have a buddy who is a big S.C. fan and he seems to be screaming panic. Hope Ray Drew heals quickly, I feel pretty sure he will, coulda been alot worse………And to the DOG people crying “the sky is falling” over the RB situation. Chill people! every dadgum college football team worth their salt always has some bumps and bruises during pre-season practice. Coach Mark Richt and Coach Grantham will be ready to throw everything including the dang kitchen sink at Boise State and South Carolina……..We’re going to be just fine, DOG NATION!………just relax and enjoy!…..only a couple weeks to go, 2011 is gonna be a pretty good year……..and I don’t even have a crystal ball like many I see post here………….God speed Ray Drew…………GATA BULLDOGS………….Regards to all, RED
WalkerMuhDawg
August 16th, 2011
2:11 am
Brandon Harton will be our only available RB for Boise State and will run for 127 yards and 2 TD’s in a Dawg win. 4 TE’s will line up as we won’t have enough OLmen healthy enough to suit up. Crutches, braces and scooters will clutter UGA’s sideline.
Stinger2
August 16th, 2011
5:23 am
Sorry that any player gets hurt regardless of how or why it happens. However, I believe too much hype is being made by UGA fans over this scotter incident. Its an isolated occurance….does not happen every day. Even CMR is apparently not that concerned in saying he is not ready to ban scooters. Chill out UGA fans.
dawgfan
August 16th, 2011
6:34 am
You chill out Stinger2. Its mostly crybaby Tech fans that use things like this to bash 19 and 20 year olds that play for a football team that they don’t like making all the noise about this. Believe it buddy.
Malcolm X
August 16th, 2011
6:36 am
These guys aren;t smart enough to drive a scooter. Make ‘em walk or take the bus.
AltamahaDawg
August 16th, 2011
7:02 am
We had a player paralyzed on a fly ball, I was making a point.
East Repeat
August 16th, 2011
7:20 am
Altamaham yoou are whistling pass the graveyard. UGA has maybe 1? RB ready to play today and now a top recruit goes down with shoulder injury with 2 weeks till first game. If SC was having these problems I would be worried. Wake up and smell the coffee. I can actually hear the Sanford Stadium crowd gasp the first time Lattimore does his thing. GATA, indeed. See you at the stadium!
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 16th, 2011
7:21 am
Alt,
You are right we did, I was making apoor attempt at humor.
Burma Shave
August 16th, 2011
7:23 am
Depth only at tight end
It’s the same old song
More Carlton Thomas
On second and long
BURMA SHAVE
Burma Shave
August 16th, 2011
7:25 am
Linebackers are dropping
More pressure on the line
The only hope left
Is to flash the choke sign
BURMA SHAVE
Burma Shave
August 16th, 2011
7:26 am
No line and no backs
You can’t punch it in
Blair Walsh sets record
From twenty yards in
BURMA SHAVE
Burma Shave
August 16th, 2011
7:28 am
Other conference teams
Recruit a high number
Here schollies for walk ons
What could be dumber?
BURMA SHAVE
@east repeat
August 16th, 2011
7:35 am
Come back and talk smack when your football program finally goes to a major bowl(just make an appearance winning would be asking too much), finishes in the top 10, wins an SEC title , doesn’t lose 5 or 6 games in a season. 15-43-2 vs Georgia.
Silver Dawg
August 16th, 2011
7:37 am
If Samuel does not return until August 23 (one week from today) that still leaves about 10 days of practice, albeit limited to 20 hours per week. In the meantime Malcome can get in some reps. Not time to panic yet.
AltamahaDawg
August 16th, 2011
7:48 am
NO, I just assumed you get your SC news in the Dawg blogs.
Lattimore better do his thing, because he’s the only thing. Spurrier reports that the O-line looked really bad again in Monday’s drills.
Barboroosa
August 16th, 2011
7:53 am
Use the rear brake next time?
Retro
August 16th, 2011
8:00 am
Attention, everyone, especially dawgtards. We will now observe a moment of silence in memory of Saint Jan Kemp, who exposed the shameful practices at UGA that were initiated and carried out by slimeball Vince Dooley. Dooley’s image as a coach and a nice guy were forever shattered during the trial, not to mention the one million dollars that dawgtards had to pay Saint Jan. These practices of recruiting morons and coddling them for four years, them tossing them out like garbage, are still going on, but at least the world knows about the sleaze that’s happening in Athens now.
And now, the moment of silence…
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Thank you, you may resume your normal activities now.
» SEC: Texas A&M needs divorce; Georgia scooter crash John Clay’s Sidelines
August 16th, 2011
8:07 am
[...] Georgia player sprains shoulder in scooter crash, reports Chip Towers of the AJC. [...]
Tom
August 16th, 2011
8:07 am
I knew plenty of people at UGA that rode the bus b/c they didn’t have a car……..these are stupid accidents that aren’t neccesary.
Carl Spackler
August 16th, 2011
8:11 am
Have someone who knows something about riding “Bike’s” and back-off the setting on the front brake. If you pull that front brake on loose dirt, gravel. et al, the front wheel just locks up and over the top you go. Have someone come in and give them a little “lesson” on proper braking techniques. Ever “lock-up” the front wheel on a ten speed without using the back brake also…same thing.
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
August 16th, 2011
8:15 am
Sounds like this guys has a vehicle that he doesn’t know how to operate.
The "scooter dude"
August 16th, 2011
8:15 am
Give the whole roster scooters, give Isaiah a “crotch rocket” , the QB a Harley, the kickers mini bikes, give Munson a hov a round for the old folks home.
Sly Cooperative
August 16th, 2011
8:36 am
Did Richt give Drew a hug and a new pair of red panties to console him?
TallaDawg
August 16th, 2011
8:41 am
One problem is they have put too many buildings where there used to be parking.
TampaDawg
August 16th, 2011
8:42 am
@Sal .. kind of harsh don’t you think? I mean, calling a kid fresh out of high school a jerk for having an accident on a scooter. I think you wear the jerk title more than Ray Drew since you’re obviously trolling and not even a fan of the team.
safetydawg
August 16th, 2011
8:44 am
To Chip Towers, Can you please call UGA or whoever at UGA, and suggest to replace those scooters with GOLF CARTS similar to that use in Fayettville? Thank you.
SEC Football News APP
August 16th, 2011
8:48 am
So much of the pre-season distractions get blown up because we’re all so hungry for football to start. This is just one more case. 18 more days til kick-off!!!
DawginLex
August 16th, 2011
8:50 am
The idiots are out in full force today.
Here is a recap for you morons. Read slowly or have someone read it to you.
1.) Ray Drew had an accident. He separated his shoulder. He will be back next week. He is a backup linebacker
2.) We have 3 running backs. All are going to play. All 3 have been dinged up some. all 3 will be ready for the opener.
3.) Girls wear red panties. Maybe one day you will get one to show them to you.
Good day.
TampaDawg
August 16th, 2011
8:52 am
@Clear Channel Voice — I can’t believe someone just used a TWEET to judge a person’s literacy. Are you serious? If that’s your measuring stick, then you are the illiterate one. You are a troll who doesn’t even have the guts to name your school. Again, passing judgment on someone’s education level based on falling off a scooter is so pathetic. Good luck with that troll.
GT Safety, Morgan Burnette
August 16th, 2011
8:59 am
GT’s former safety is no Cicero. Listen to his speech patterns. I did view him about two weeks ago on local TV and um, ah, ……..Sad. Engineer? Come on folks ………………GT has some kids that are bright no doubt BUT they too have kids that are not legit college material.
Most of y’all here are folks that are clueless. UGA has for years and years and years had Rhodes Scholar candidates playing ALL STAR football AND ALL STAR ACADEMICS.
Give it a rest. The old, tired agument that UGA is full of dumb asses is a clear sign that the bloggers are un educated or worse, products of Atlanta’s public schools. Obamaland schools, they are. Fire them all !!!
Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Dogs.
bubba4dawgs
August 16th, 2011
9:06 am
Go slow on the scooters and fast on the field! Save yourself! We need you!! Coach, everyone on campus should be required to take a series of safety classes and issued a permit before scooters are allowed. Designate scooter parking only areas so they don’t compete with vehicles that will run them over. GO DAWGS!
PMC
August 16th, 2011
9:11 am
guess you have to break a few eggs to make an omlet.
SouthGaBrave
August 16th, 2011
9:22 am
Also a note to the uninformed:
The scooters are not given out by the Athletic Department. The players who have them (which is actually only one-third to one-half of the team), purchase them on their own. I know that most people commenting here never played college athletics, but I can’t believe anyone would be naive enough to think that the school was just passing out scooters to athletes. C’mon man….
Nate the Great
August 16th, 2011
9:23 am
How about hove-arounds? Safe and can go anywhere plus old people never get hurt on them and the commercial said they can get it for little to nothing. Problem solved!!!
East Repeat
August 16th, 2011
9:25 am
SC is 2-2 over last 4 games with Dawgs (sounds even to me) and 8-13 vs Dawgs over last 21 games spanning 23 yrs (did not play in 91 and 92). Hmmm, sounds like SC has been closing in on Dawgs for some time and has now caught UGA football program. 8-13 recent history is much better than 15-43-2 all time. Gonna be 3 wins in last 5 games by Sept 11th. Glad to hear spurrier poor mouthing OL, keeps everyone working hard.
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 16th, 2011
9:25 am
Richard Samuels out for another week?
Not good, considering he needs all the reps he can get.
B'dawg
August 16th, 2011
9:26 am
If this keeps up at this pace, scooters will wreck Richts career.
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 16th, 2011
9:27 am
SC has been closing in on Dawgs for some time and has now caught UGA football program.
——————————————–
That is correct.
This years game will have more people taking notice.
Evansdawg
August 16th, 2011
9:33 am
Is it against NCAA regs to have the players transported around campus since their schedules are so much tighter than most other people’s??? It just seems to me that their time is consumed with practice, tutoring, taping, class, study, film watching….etc., etc. Can their be an athletic department shuttle???
this dawg want hunt!!
August 16th, 2011
9:34 am
Not a lot to be optimistic about with the opener less than 3 weeks away. B.S. has an all-american offensive tackle, UGA has none. B.S has 2 high draft choices that are seniors on D.L, UGA has none. B.S. has a 1000 yd. rusher returning, UGA has 2 unproven freshmen, and a linebacker that failed at r.b. his 1st go round. B.S has the best passsing Q.B. in college football returning, that has won big games against quality opponents, UGA has a Q.B. that has never beaten a quality opponent. Don’t think Tenn, or Ga.Tech would qualify as quality now. Oh and did i mention, UGA has the worst safety combo in the SECE, that will have to defend B.S. quick strike passing game. Like i said, not a whole lot to get excited about if you are a UGA fan. Sounds like another Ga.Tech game in 2008 coming. UGA hasn’t slowed down Tech’s running game in 3 years, and I don’t think they will slow down B.S passing attack either. Week 2, if UGA can’t slow down Lattimore, it will be the same result as last year. Nothing says they can do that this year, a bunch of blind UGA fans blogging about how great the team will be, doesn’t make it so. Could be along season for UGA. But hey it’s preseason and every team is undefeated now. So go DAWGS!!
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
August 16th, 2011
9:41 am
Are any of the other students involved in scooter accidents, or is it just football players? Coach should let the players wear their black helmets from last year when they ride the scooters. Wearing black helmets should improve morale and put them over the top when they are trying to avoid a scooter accident. Seeing a 300 pound player riding a little scooter down a hill and wearing a black helmet should strike fear in anybody who might get in the way.
PTC DAWG
August 16th, 2011
9:44 am
It warms my heart to read how much our rival fans care about UGA.
norris
August 16th, 2011
9:55 am
The athletic dept does not provide scooters. These belong to the student., i.e., they have to buy them! Have you ever tried to make it from south campus to north campus in 15 minutes? You ain’t gonna do it on a bus!
Scoot along folks
August 16th, 2011
9:57 am
let’s talk football.
bamaguy
August 16th, 2011
10:00 am
You could just have the alumni buy them all a car. Wait, the NCAA might have a teeny problem with that.
Seriously, if you are at college and can’t afford a car do you have much choice? Our culture is so automobile oriented that you are forced to have some kind of motorized vehicle. If it is common on campus for students (not just athletes) to have scooters it would be appropriate for the school to offer a safety class.
UGA Insider
August 16th, 2011
10:07 am
I’m not in such a good mood this morning concerning my 2011 Dawgs. It’s not the Ray Drew deal which is pathetic and a waste of time talking about. I’m worried about the RB situation which is looking pretty dire. Samuel and Malcolm couldn’t even stay healthy on the damn scout team last year and Crowell missed time playing AA HSF. We have major problems and I think CMR knows it. Practice has been closed however I am betting that Nick Marshall is practicing at RB because I never see stats on him at CB. I’m hoping I’m right. Is it too late to get Ealey back???
Dawg Watcher
August 16th, 2011
10:09 am
Maybe Richt can drive players to class. Sheesh. Ban scooters? How about we ban goofballs from posting on this site? Opps, too late for that I guess.