UPDATED: Georgia NG Kwame Geathers, SS Shawn Williams, Vandy player get half-game suspensions
Geathers
As expected, Georgia’s Kwame Geathers and Shawn Williams were handed down half-game suspensions Wednesday for their actions during last Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt. Commodores center Logan Stewart was also levied a half-game suspension in the wake of the Bulldogs’ 33-28 win this past Saturday in Nashville.
The suspensions of the players were based on NCAA rules and handed down by Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive in consultation with the respective schools.
Williams
“I did have the opportunity to speak to the Commissioner and discuss the incident,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “It’s certainly not representative of the Georgia way. I have always trusted the Commissioner’s judgment and understand and accept the decision. We’ll learn as well as grow from this situation and now turn our attention to preparing for Florida.”
Following is the news release from the SEC, which explains its ruling in each instance:
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Upon review of game tapes of the football game between the University of Georgia and Vanderbilt University, played in Nashville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive has announced that Vanderbilt sophomore center Logan Stewart, Georgia sophomore defensive lineman Kwame Geathers and Georgia junior defensive back Shawn Williams have been suspended for the first half of their team’s next football games.
Vanderbilt hosts Army this Saturday while Georgia plays Florida in Jacksonville on Oct. 29.
Geathers’ action was in violation of NCAA Football Rule 2-32-1-a for fighting. By NCAA Football Rule 9-5-1-b, the penalty for violation of the rule in the second half includes suspension for the first half of the team’s next scheduled game.
On the same play, Stewart’s suspension is the result of a flagrant personal foul which occurred at the 13:09 mark in the fourth quarter. The action is in violation of Rule 9-1 of the NCAA Football Rule Book, which states that a flagrant personal foul offender shall be disqualified.
Williams’ suspension is the result of a flagrant personal foul which occurred at the 2:08 mark in the third quarter. The action is in violation of Rule 9-1-4 of the NCAA Football Rule Book, which reads, “No player shall target and initiate contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent with the helmet, forearm, elbow or shoulder.”
This action is taken in accordance with Southeastern Conference Constitution, Article 4.4.2 (d), which states that a student-athlete may be suspended if it is determined that the student-athlete has committed a flagrant or unsportsmanlike act.
Geathers, a redshirt sophomore from Georgetown, S.C., has started three games at noseguard for the Bulldogs and alternates regularly with junior John Jenkins. He has seven tackles, a pass break-up and a quarterback pressure.
Williams, a junior from Damascus, has started every game this season, including one at inside linebacker. He is the Bulldogs’ third-leading tackler with 34 and has two interceptions, including one against Vanderbilt this past weekend.
Saturday’s game, clinched by Georgia in the final seconds, was extremely emotional. The night ended with Franklin and Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham a shouting match at midfield. The SEC asked for reports from both schools but about that incident but indicated Wednesday that the is being “handled internally between league office and schools,” spokesman Charles Bloom said.
Here’s video of the hit that resulted in Williams’ suspension:
MORE STORIES ON THIS SUBJECT:
- Geathers’ father upset over suspension, wants apology
- UGA, SEC reviewing coaches’ postgame confrontation
– Chip Towers
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530 comments Add your comment
C from Marietta
October 19th, 2011
1:54 pm
I agree King Gator. With the life isn’t fair. Move on. Stuff happens.
To the trolls coming here and trashing UGA. Coming here and insulting UGA fans blowing off steam is classless. You need to look in the mirror. It is time to put this behind us and move on with our life. I never get the pile on mentally when another school has something bad happen to it. I have friends from AU, FLA, Tech, Bama and other schools. Just b/c someone when to a rival school, does not make them a bad person.
LOL
October 19th, 2011
1:54 pm
And screw the SEC – done with college football. Slimiest, shadiest sporting organization in the world.
Mtn Dawg
October 19th, 2011
1:54 pm
where in God’s name was this bunch who handed down these bullcrap penalties last year when Nick Fairley nearly ended Aaron Murray’s career. Oh, that’s right. That was Auburn.
You talk about a joke. This is no better and maybe worse than the NCAA Infractions Comm. decision making. Totally out of balance, and unfair. They better go after those feaking coaches.
Smokewagon
October 19th, 2011
1:55 pm
The Man is against us. Let’s show him what we can do by wiping out his favored teams.
DawgFan
October 19th, 2011
1:55 pm
What a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!
SEC does not hold the same standard across the league. They pick and choose depending on the team.
JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
D Fence
October 19th, 2011
1:56 pm
Dont get too excited Gators – we still have Ogletree and hopefully Washington coming back for you guys…in the end…..we’re gonna get you this year ala George “I guarantee it” Zimmer…Lets hope both teams have their stable of horses for most of the game as is.
DGA
October 19th, 2011
1:56 pm
I understand the Geathers suspension, regardless of whether I agree with it or not. What I don’t understand is the S. Williams suspension. I’m a Georgia fan, but I’m not one of the people that was lambasting Fairly last year. It’s football, and while the NFL has gone to great lengths to protect players, never in my life have I heard of a COLLEGE player being suspended for “the result of a flagrant personal foul which occurred at the 2:08 mark in the third quarter. The action is in violation of Rule 9-1-4 of the NCAA Football Rule Book, which reads, “No player shall target and initiate contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent with the helmet, forearm, elbow or shoulder.”
I really didn’t think Williams played the “dirty game” everyone is making it out to be. You can call him unsportsmanlike for taunting or whatever alleged trash-talk he was saying at the end of the game, but as far as his play on the field went, I didn’t think it was bad (and I thought one personal foul was bogus). Call me a homer if you want, but as I said, I wasn’t all over Fairly last year either.
At least it’s not a full game, but flags were thrown on EVERYONE involved in this suspension, and I personally think it should have just been left at that.
brick
October 19th, 2011
1:57 pm
I can somewhat understand the Geathers suspension, if you call that a punch, but the Williams suspension is complete BS. SEC better get consistent and start handing out suspensions for late hits and apply it to ALL teams, including the teams they are protecting to get them into the BCS championship game/
TrishaDishaWarEagle
October 19th, 2011
1:58 pm
@strange murphy
Thats right, we got the NCAA, SEC, and FBI in our hip pockets..just like UGA fans theorize
Hahaha
War Damn Eagle
King Gator s top
October 19th, 2011
1:58 pm
Come back to bed and take your pounding
Blue Ridge Top Dawg
October 19th, 2011
1:58 pm
It is what it is…. doesnt matter what us fans think… BEAT FLORIDA!
Auburn
October 19th, 2011
1:58 pm
We don’t do nuthin wrong at Auburn y’all quit whining. Our boys jus play hard.
PS:Does anyone know if Cam has cousin that’s daddy needs a few thousand.
baby you can get away with anything
October 19th, 2011
1:58 pm
in Alabama.And that is a fact of life.Been that way since the 50’s.But you either need a gun or money.
UGA Poofer
October 19th, 2011
1:59 pm
Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa Waa
aisi4130
October 19th, 2011
1:59 pm
All this energy focused on Auburn’s team last year for a fight at Vandy this year. You would have thought Auburn was responsible for all 7 of UGA’s losses last year and that Chizik had a time machine that enabled him to convince Hershel Walker to sign with an agent before his senior year. Perhaps some of you should read the parable of the two monks and the stream. Take a deep breath; it’s gonna be alright. Big mean Mr. Nick can’t hurt anyone this year (especially on the DL) and Mr. Newton is gone. Have a lollypop – you’ll feel better.
we beat vandy
October 19th, 2011
2:00 pm
I heard a GA player tried to run over a Vandy player with his scooter but missed– wide left!!
UGA Poofer's top
October 19th, 2011
2:00 pm
What did I tell you about posting on those boards, get off that computer and clean the house like I told you
TrishaDishaWarEagle' sister
October 19th, 2011
2:02 pm
I’m waiting for you in the closet
Sensational Journalism
October 19th, 2011
2:02 pm
Who writes the caption below the headlines on the front page of the AJC?
“Two UGA, one Vandy player face half-game suspensions for fight after Saturday’s game; no word yet on coaches’ fate.”
The suspensions have nothing to do with after the game. The suspensions are for plays throughout the game. Just goes to show you how AJC wants to play up this story even though they cannot get the facts straight.
evil empire's sister
October 19th, 2011
2:02 pm
Come back to bed brother
Sunny
October 19th, 2011
2:02 pm
Didn’t one or two Auburn players get suspended for throwing punches at the end of the Georgia game last year? I think they had to sit out the first half of the Iron Bowl. They got the exact same punishment Geathers got. They all threw punches, they all received well-earned suspensions.
luxomni
October 19th, 2011
2:03 pm
Georgia should withdraw from the SEC. No reason to take this kind of crap. Who does Slive think he is? This would never happen to another school. Mean ol’ Vandy was ugly to us. This is unfair and my buttocks hurt. Sniff.
AltamahaDawg
October 19th, 2011
2:03 pm
You know what..forget about the fairness of the SEC or who else did what and when, and just let’s put the focus on us. I believe this will motivate thier teammates in their absence and them upon thier return.
As ugly as that whole Vandy game was, it will turn out to have been a better turn of events than a boring 20 pt. win.
Alphare
October 19th, 2011
2:03 pm
SEC should have a provision that says no UGA players should ever be punished.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
October 19th, 2011
2:04 pm
It will probably be moot to mention to the conspiratorially challenged, that AU did have two players who were suspended the first half of the iron bowl because of the GA game, one by the SEC and one by Coach Chizik..
So stop whining about a double standard..pretty please..it’s just gotten so old and tired…If the world +dog really was out to get a program, don’t you think it would be a relevant one?
RawDawg
October 19th, 2011
2:05 pm
I suspect these suspensions only came about because of the fracas at the end the game and all the attention it has drawn. Shame, UGA was looking to have all of its weapons back and healthy against FLA. I feel like we have the depth at those positions to make it through a half against what should be a still depleted FLA team. But, then again, it is FLA.
GoDAWGS
UGA Poofer
October 19th, 2011
2:05 pm
UGA Poofer’s top Sorry must mop first, whole place wet from dog crying.
SLIVE IS A CROSS DRESSER!!!!!!
October 19th, 2011
2:06 pm
Could see this crap coming a mile away—SEC has to CYA.
Get a backbone Slive.
Dr. Death
October 19th, 2011
2:07 pm
I agree Slive sucks but somebody has to monitor the play on the field and it has to be his office. Otherwise, the Th”uga”s would take over. The players were guilty so they must “do the time” . Hope the Dawgs pound the Gators.
Blind Homer's Odyssey
October 19th, 2011
2:07 pm
I didn’t see nothing from these fine upstanding gentlemen. Of course I’m a blind homer. Did hear a few things from Mr. Williams though, actually a lot of things, and likely the real reason for his short vacation. Note that there is a guy wearing a SEC or Walmart vest, (couldn’t tell which as I’m selectively blind don’t you know), standing next to Franklin in the little after game discussion that took place.
pdawg
October 19th, 2011
2:08 pm
Move Tree back to safety for the first half…..we shd. be fine. We will be more than fine guys. More motivation for the boys to play lightsout for the rest of the season. I am glad we have TG…it is apparent the boys are playing for him
Football Ken
October 19th, 2011
2:09 pm
This non-sense has got to stop. For anyone, particulary ex o-lineman and d-lineman, we all know what the Vandy kid did was dirty. Geathers re-acted as all of us would. All of these non football playing people are in chrge and don’t have a clue about real football (between the white lines). SEC commish got this way wrong. As for Grantham, as a ex-player and coach, if my coaches doesn’t stand up for me, i”d be looking for the door as a player. Coach Richt is straddling a thin line on his obvious non support of Grantham and his players…I wouldnt want to play or work for a coach who doesnt support me at least publicly…..excuse the spelling.
VANDY PANZIE
October 19th, 2011
2:09 pm
Hope all you Vandy engineers are happy–because I know your trolling.
wreckbuzz
October 19th, 2011
2:10 pm
I understand UGA fans being upset at Logan Stewart. It was a dirty play. But you can’t expect a punishment for Stewart and then criticize the punishment for Kwame Geathers. He decided to punish Stewart himself by punching him. There’s no place for that either. Let the referees and then the conference handle Stewart. He went vigilante and that’s always going to be punished.
Washuan Ealey got his eyes poked by Brandon Spikes. Ealey didn’t get up and try to kill Spikes. Spikes got punished after the game. That’s how to handle it.
Pitbull
October 19th, 2011
2:10 pm
Face it, Alabama and Auburn have Slive in their hip pockets. Those schools always benefit from ref calls and the team they play always suffer to the point that bad calls and no calls determine the number of wins those 2 schools get.
Slive is dirty and the Tech grad in charge of the refs is bad. Any time that ref team that cheated Georgia out of the win against Tech in 1998 with the fumble that wasn’t a fumble refs a Georgia game I just hold my breath. I think a guy named Penfors was the guy in charge who made the bad call that day. He should have been let go, but since it didn’t cost Alabama or Auburn a win, Slive let it go.
Don’t for get the bad calls against LSU against Alabama and against Miss State against Florida a couple of years ago when it was uncertain if it would be an undefeated Alabama or an undefeated Florida that would play Texas for a NC. All that was certain was that Slive was going to get an undefeated SEC team through the season to play undefeated Texas for a NC so the SEC could make more money.
Slive is dirty and the SEC office and refs are dirty. They all need to go and they need to go now. The presidents of the 10 other SEC schools need to vote them out and get fresh blood from outside the conference with no SEC school affiliations.
SIC THIS
October 19th, 2011
2:11 pm
Good point Ken
G-Dawg
October 19th, 2011
2:11 pm
I feel sorry for Vandy…they just made that star on their jersey’s much bigger for the game in Athens. They’ll end up having to change team colors from gold and black to black and blue!! and i feel sorry for the Gators center, after Kwame comes outta the locker room at halftime!! Someone will end up paying for it!!
pdawg
October 19th, 2011
2:12 pm
Very disappointed in CMR handling of the situation….at least publicly. I have been his ardent supporter but this very much disapoints me.
G-Dawg
October 19th, 2011
2:13 pm
This has probably unleashed the beast….#99! Bad news for the rest of the SEC teams!!!
Native Atlantan
October 19th, 2011
2:13 pm
Hopefully all players involved learned that with actions come consequences.
UGA’s lack of discipline under Richt has continued to astound!
01HAWK
October 19th, 2011
2:13 pm
Pitbull…………………………….Face it, Alabama and Auburn have Slive in their hip pockets.
DUH…………………………..The SEC OFFICE is in Birmingham………………………………What did you expect.
Gators...it's time for your whoopin!
October 19th, 2011
2:14 pm
Jax this year…UGA is gonna put a beatdown on Gators and Musloser!
Chanticleer
October 19th, 2011
2:14 pm
Grantham
deserves five hundred thousand dollars a year for this junk?
Dawg Fud
October 19th, 2011
2:14 pm
Okay, great. Can we move on with life now?
straitroad
October 19th, 2011
2:14 pm
Wreckbuzz,
You are mistaken, the SEC office did not hand down a suspension on Spikes. That was done by Meyer, and only after he took heat for it.
Mtn Dawg
October 19th, 2011
2:14 pm
All you AU AL FL fans. Why don’t you just shut the HELP up. If this had happened to your team, you’d be singing a different tune.
CAN’T WAIT TO KICK SOME GATOR BUTTOCKS!!!!!! IT’S GOING TO BE SO SWEET!!!!
Dan
October 19th, 2011
2:14 pm
Sounds like a fair punishment to me.
rally
October 19th, 2011
2:15 pm
Go DAWGS…… out of the SEC. We don’t need your mangy criminal carcass here. You puppies are yelping as usual. The Sun Belt Conference might take you if they can stand the smell of an unwahed toothless dawg.
H
October 19th, 2011
2:15 pm
Slive is a joke….time to go pal.
First
October 19th, 2011
2:17 pm
I would be fine with this if I had seen consistency from the SEC. Why didn’t Fairley get suspended last year for his late hits to the spine or knee of Murray or Spikes of Florida get suspended for trying to gouge the eyes out of Caleb King? Both of those actions could have resulted in much more long lasting injuries (potentially permanent) than what a little rabbit punch to the gut from Geathers. Could it be because Auburn and Florida were both competing for National Titles that year while Georgia is not this year?