Georgia OLB Cornelius Washington suspended after DUI arrest
(Updated 3:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.)
Georgia linebacker Cornelius Washington was arrested early Sunday morning on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol after being stopped by police in Commerce for driving 92 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone, according to an incident report obtained by the AJC.
UPDATE: Georgia coach Mark Richt said late this afternoon that Washington, per UGA Athletic Association policy regarding DUI arrests, will be suspended for at least the next two games – Saturday at Tennessee and Oct. 15 at Vanderbilt. “He’s sick. He feels awful. He knows he let the team down, let his coaches down,” Richt said. Click here for more on this story.
Washington was northbound on U.S. Highway 441, about 20 miles from Athens, when he was pulled over at 1:48 a.m.
“I asked Mr. Washington if he had been drinking and he stated yes but it had been several hours prior,” the arresting Commerce Police Department officer wrote in the incident report. Washington said he had “a couple of shots,” according to the report.
Washington posted a reading of .12 on an alcohol sensor test, according to the report. The legal limit is .08.
He also was asked to perform a series of field sobriety tests, which he failed, according to the report.
Washington, 22, was booked into the Jackson County jail, charged with DUI and speeding. He was later released on $3,500 bond.
There were three passengers in the 2009 Dodge Journey driven by Washington, according to the police report. One, a 20-year-old female, was arrested for underage consumption of alcohol.
Washington’s arrest is the first of a football team member in 2011.
Washington was coming off the best game of his career. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound junior from Hephzibah had two sacks and four tackles in Georgia’s 24-10 win over Mississippi State. With a team-high 3.5 sacks this season, he would have been counted on heavily against Tennessee, which leads the SEC in passing.
-- By Tim Tucker and Chip Towers
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167 comments Add your comment
Rock And Roller
October 2nd, 2011
1:56 pm
Right on Preston. I remeber when you had to register .12 to be charged for DUI in Georgia,then Madd pressured the govt. to lower it to .10 and then .08 which is way to low. Nobody is truly impaired at .08.
REAL DAWG'S N FALCONS FAN
October 2nd, 2011
1:57 pm
NO JUDGMENT HERE,JUST A PRAYER THAT HE LEARNED SOMETHING THAT HE CAN USE FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Bill
October 2nd, 2011
1:58 pm
Based on the Jefferson case at LSU and the Reid case at FSU he will probably get off with little more than a slap on the wrist. Character seems to be in low supply at some of the larger football factories.
Tony
October 2nd, 2011
2:00 pm
According to some media experts college players don’t have any money for dates and other things. If true how do they keep posting bond and get out of jail the next day after an arrest? This is the biggest I remember seeing but how does a poor collede student come up with $3500.00
Jiggy Smaha
October 2nd, 2011
2:01 pm
Obviously if a 22 year old is caught drinking and driving he should be tossed off the team and thrown out of school and maybe even castrated….Get a clue, people….It was a bad thing to do—it is not a capital offense…..and all you people who are castigating the kid and the coaches….now this is a serious question..when is the last time YOU had to make a decision that affects a person’s future?? Washington has a clean record…he made a mistake…there is a policy in place….10% of the schedule and get on with business…..and let ye who are without sin cast the first stone….without sin…not without “similar” sin…
azdawg
October 2nd, 2011
2:01 pm
I’m guessing this is his 1st offense so I hope they show some leniency. I’m sure he’s feeling regret and I hope CMR gives him a break as well. He’ll sit out a game and most likely it’ll be TN. Couldn’t happen at a worse time for both him and his team but live and learn.
Billy Jack
October 2nd, 2011
2:01 pm
Alabama law enforcement officers are well trained…the Auburn and Bama players never get DUI’s……
rodney
October 2nd, 2011
2:01 pm
REVEREND RAY – ITS YOUR TIME, BABY!
Yellow Stinger
October 2nd, 2011
2:03 pm
I guess this guy thought Georgia has just won the national championship. What an idiot but at least the best team in Georgia is ranked
Jiggy Smaha
October 2nd, 2011
2:03 pm
Tony…he pays 350 to a bondsman…dumb ass
Least from the East
October 2nd, 2011
2:04 pm
Anybody get the tag number of that truck?
Tech Guy
October 2nd, 2011
2:04 pm
The Concrete Pete – The only reason Georgia tech played a “drug trafficker” on the field was because some liberal pointy headed job who probably got his law degree in Athens issued a court order that mandated his return.
You can always count on two things from dawgs – misinformation and dawg poop.
G
October 2nd, 2011
2:06 pm
You ready Mr Drew?
Big Wally Butts
October 2nd, 2011
2:08 pm
Interesting to read the diverse comments. If you have never been the victum of overly aggressive police and you are judgemental by nature (as if you never do anything wrong yourself), you seem to think execution is in order. But the other extreme listed here is carpe diem and let the chips fall where they may. In other words, there should be no retribution or responsibility for our actions.
I suspect that the answer lies in the middle as usual. I am sure that the athletic department at UGA will do the right thing.
GwinnettDad
October 2nd, 2011
2:09 pm
As long as the Dawgs attract players that don’t give a damn about the team, the Dawgs will continue to be mediocre. I don’t care how good this player is supposed to be, sit himi down for the rest of the season or fire him from the team. If we don’t have a coach that will do that, then we need another coach. Think Saban or Miles would let this selfish irresponsible jerk play for them?
Jiggy Smaha
October 2nd, 2011
2:09 pm
Tech Guy,,,,,the pointy headed judge reinstated him to the team…your AD and Coach put him on the field….get off your high horse…..
FBYJ
October 2nd, 2011
2:09 pm
The sad thing about this story is that it appeared on the same day that a golf team member at the University of West Georgia was hit and killed by a drunk driver. I pray that parents, coaches, and even fans would encourage their students not to drink … but if they DO drink, then DON’T DRIVE!
G
October 2nd, 2011
2:11 pm
Tech Guy,
The court order said he had to play or return to the team. We own you
Mark PRicht
October 2nd, 2011
2:11 pm
cant blame he boy for going out and celebrating a win, it dont happen that often
Big Wally Butts
October 2nd, 2011
2:12 pm
Tony. – he was released on a property bond, not cash.
sheepdawg
October 2nd, 2011
2:12 pm
I’m aghast!! CMR only recruits top notch 5 star citizens!! Has this ever happened before in UGA athletic history?
Mark PRicht
October 2nd, 2011
2:12 pm
oh and he was following the great leadership of your old AD
Rock And Roller
October 2nd, 2011
2:12 pm
Yellow Stinger Richt owns Georgia Tech as we have whipped the Jackets 9 0f 10 games under Richt. That will soon be 10 of 11 and we will end up higher rated than Tech as we run thru the rest of the schedule and whip Bama for the SEC Title in HotLanta.
Mark PRicht
October 2nd, 2011
2:18 pm
hey roller, we know what you are rolling, mutts wouldnt score on BAMA, in fact wouldnt reach the 50…murray would be out first quarter…now we know why they are the dream team, cause you are dreaming…Bama would kill Boise, how did that go for the mutts
7576DAWG
October 2nd, 2011
2:18 pm
Two beers will get a man as big as Washington to the legal limit if you drink them right after the other. If he was dumb enough to volunteer to blow into the gauge there is no way he will be able to fight it. I have a feeling his reading was a lot higher than .08 and that will determine how CMR will handle it. If this is the first time CMR has every had an issue with Cornelius then he will get his normal 1 game suspension and the courts will take care of the rest. Hugh fine and community service and D.U.I. school for a month and his Insurance premium will be outrageous if he keeps his licenses. CMR doesn’t need to get carried away with a punishment because Washington just screwed himself enough without CMR having to do much. Now if it was his second offense that would be different.
Yeah, It's just a DUI
October 2nd, 2011
2:19 pm
It ain’t all that, what’s the big deal, at least GA won, GO DOGS!
The Georgia State Patrol said Matthew Benjamin Dyas, 20, was killed when a 2006 Nissan Maxima turned into his path on Lovvorn Road.
Gloria Faith Dupree, 23, from Allenhurst, is charged with first degree vehicular homicide and DUI, said the GSP’s Gordy Wright. She is in custody at the Carroll County jail.
The Truth
October 2nd, 2011
2:24 pm
GA Tech Lies & Cheats & Everyone knows it. Tech plays major drug dealers. LOL!
GwinnettDad
October 2nd, 2011
2:26 pm
This off the field behavior DOES show up on the field when the chips are down. It’s one thing to be young and stupid and get a DUI, it’s another thing to be a spoiled prima donna DURING THE SEASON and showing that he doesn’t really give a damn about the TEAM. To play for any top college program is an incredible privilege – give that privilege to somebody who deserves it. Washington obviously doesn’t.
Mark PRicht
October 2nd, 2011
2:26 pm
hey TRUTH….Thruts is this article is about mutt player arrested nothing bout tech…truth is ura DA
hotdawg
October 2nd, 2011
2:28 pm
Glad Robinson is back! University policy for a first-time offender is 10 percent of the regular season, meaning Washington could miss at least one game, but Richt often rounds DUI suspensions up to two games, depending on the details of the individual case.
Muskrat Watcher
October 2nd, 2011
2:29 pm
The gators really picked a psycho for a coach didn’t they? I haven’t seen a teenage drug crazed punk act like this moron when things don’t go his way, esp with the refs.Its a shame they haven’t the ba**s to throw him out of a game.
oldbird
October 2nd, 2011
2:30 pm
I would be willing to bet that 85% of the posters on here have been guilty of DUI, and only 5% caught..
Diandra M.
October 2nd, 2011
2:31 pm
I understand that Cornelius made a dumb move, but NONE of you have the right to judge him. I know him personally, and he’s a great guy. EVERYONE makes mistakes. I’m glad that he and no one else was hurt.
Mark PRicht
October 2nd, 2011
2:33 pm
oldbird what does that mean? if you dont get caught its okay?
Wrecker
October 2nd, 2011
2:33 pm
Thank goodness Mr. Washington did not have an accident and seriously injure himself or someone else. That would have really ruined his life. He is young and will hopefully learn from his mistake. We probably should not hold athletes to a higher standard, but the truth is that we do because they represent our universities. Joe Fraternity could get his 3rd DUI in a month but would not reflect on his school the same way that a D1 athlete does.
Rock And Roller
October 2nd, 2011
2:34 pm
PRicht we would whip Bama as Heisman Trophy Candidate Crowell would rush for 200 yards plus and Bama would be lucky to score against our vaunted defense.
John
October 2nd, 2011
2:34 pm
@With Richt…Just how did Richt ruin his life?? He is starting at a SEC school, had a great game, and is a future pro. Sounds like Richt and his staff have prepared him to be a millionaire. Yea…Richt really ruined his life. Get a clue dude
olddawg
October 2nd, 2011
2:35 pm
Another four star athlete with a one star brain. Not only did he let himself down but he let his whole team down as well. When is Georgia going to start getting smarter athletes.
klytus
October 2nd, 2011
2:36 pm
@Roaddawg80 “Just when things seem to get rolling. I will pass judgement until we no for sure. I just hope it is someone else.” no for sure? You must have went to UGA with grammar skills such as these.
ugay bendoverstein
October 2nd, 2011
2:36 pm
oh! no’s this is a tragedy. yall’s all a bunch of pos’s. get a life and quit humpin’ the neighbor’s cat.
truth serum
October 2nd, 2011
2:36 pm
If this were any other SEC school save Vanderbilt, this wouldn’t be a big deal.
Mark PRicht
October 2nd, 2011
2:36 pm
Rock and Roller smoke on brother just dont drive or you will be the yopic of conversation too
Figure out how to beat SC before you take on Bama
Mark PRicht
October 2nd, 2011
2:37 pm
TOPIC
oldbird
October 2nd, 2011
2:37 pm
@Mark PRicht. Not at all. Just saying lets not boot him. He probably has redeeming qualities and will learn from this stupid act. My point was that a lot of people are bashing a young man, who have probably been just as guilty countless times. Yes, punishment is due, but lets not go crazy. That is why we have courts.
Mark PRicht
October 2nd, 2011
2:42 pm
oldbird…I agree, I am taking my shots as a smart^^s but truth is how many 22 year olds were arrrested last night for DUI, but the atheletes are the ones that make the paper
go42
October 2nd, 2011
2:42 pm
Just another stupid doggie. The exit for Preacher Richt becomes clearer. He can’t see who he’s recruiting for his own religion. Some guys are just bad eggs. Richt needs to spend a few years overseas as a missionary. The mans hypocrisy is nauseating.
Jim Tressel
October 2nd, 2011
2:44 pm
CMR same justice for all. Please don’t destroy my office before you leave for the unemployment line.
Wrecker
October 2nd, 2011
2:45 pm
Their arrests make the news because we hold athletes to a higher standard. He has no excuse for driving under the influence. I am not saying we should throw him in jail for 10 years and kick him off the team. I am merely saying that this is a big deal and those of you excusing this should be ashamed.
da brat
October 2nd, 2011
2:45 pm
all yall’s white rednecks with your uga hats and dip circles love to cheer for young, black men in jock-straps.
Texas Dawg
October 2nd, 2011
2:46 pm
Sit him the rest of the year!
Drew it’s time for you to step to the plate!
If Wasahington stays clean he can again compete next year………