Isaiah Crowell among 3 tailbacks suspended for failing drug tests (UPDATED)
Updated throughout . . .
ATHENS – Three Georgia tailbacks – including star freshman Isaiah Crowell – have been suspended for Saturday’s New Mexico State game for failing UGA-administered drug tests last week, two sources familiar with the process and the decision confirmed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Crowell, junior Carlton Thomas and redshirt freshman Ken Malcome will have to sit out 10 percent of the Bulldogs’ competition dates, as is UGA Athletic Association policy for a first-time violation of the student-athlete drug policy. The tests, which revealed marijuana use, were administered last week and the results were confirmed via private lab on Tuesday, the sources said.
Georgia coach Mark Richt would not confirm the reasons for the suspensions beyond his statement that it was for “violation of team policies.”
“We have certain standards in all that we do and their actions do not reflect the Georgia way,” Richt said in a statement released by UGA Sports Communications on Tuesday afternoon. “They will serve their suspensions, learn a lesson and I’m sure will be better men for it.”
Richt failed to mention the suspensions during his half-hour weekly news conference two hours before the news release was sent. He was asked about both Crowell and Malcome during that session with the media. Richt declined subsequent interview requests through UGA spokesperson Claude Felton. None of the players involved were made available.
Meanwhile, No. 2 tailback Richard Samuel underwent season-ending ankle surgery on Tuesday morning, meaning the Bulldogs (6-2) will be down to their fifth-string ball carrier when they play the Aggies (3-5) this weekend at Sanford Stadium.
Sophomore Brandon Harton, junior Wes Van Dyk and freshman Kyle Karempelis as the only true tailbacks available to play Saturday. Harton (5-foot-6, 174 pounds) and Van Dyk (6-0, 203) are both former walkons who were awarded scholarships this past summer. Karempelis (5-9, 180) is a first-year walkon out of The Wesleyan School in Norcross. Only Harton, with 11 carries for 33 yards, and Van Dyk, with one for one yard, have played in a game this season.
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo indicated after practice Tuesday night that Harton and Karempelis would be the Bulldogs’ first two options. Georgia could also utilize fullback Zander Ogletree in the running game.
“I think it’s an opportunity for a lot of guys to step up,” Bobo said. “We may have to change some things up and do some things different to move the ball. Other guys have to step up and make plays. I feel confident in those two guys and Ogletree and the backs and tight ends and receivers we have to move the ball.”
The Bulldogs could also give offensive snaps to defensive backs Brandon Boykin and/or Branden Smith, both of whom have played often on offense this season. And Bobo also dropped the names of two freshmen: Safety Nick Marshall and cornerback Damian Swann.
“There’s a lot of guys out there could be possibilities,” Bobo said.
It is the second suspension of the season for Crowell, who missed the first quarter of the Vanderbilt game for an academic-related issue. Thomas also missed the season opener due to a suspension for another undisclosed violation of team rules.
Crowell’s coach at Carver-Columbus High School, Dell McGee, traded text messages with him on Tuesday.
“I just reminded him of where he came from and not to take things for granted because they can be taken away from you,” McGee said.
Crowell was rated the No. 1 running back prospect in country when he signed with Georgia last February. He currently leads the Bulldogs with 689 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns.
Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity insisted that the suspensions were not delayed discipline disciplinary actions from the week of the Florida game.
“Absolutely not,” he said. “We don’t pick when we do certain things. When certain things are found, we act right then.”
According to UGA Athletic Association student-athlete handbook, a one-game suspension can be the result of violations of three different policies: Drugs, alcohol or academics. But a violation of any policy cannot be enforced at a coach’s discretion.
“At the point a violation is discovered, if a suspension is required the penalty is enforced for the next competition,” Georgia senior Felton said. “Whatever the infraction was, it would have occurred this week.”
Georgia athletes are subject to preseason drug tests in every sport, random drug tests by the NCAA and periodic/non-random tests by the athletic association. In most cases it takes five to seven days for a lab to analyze the results.
– Chip Towers
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1,146 comments Add your comment
Steve O.
November 2nd, 2011
9:20 am
Morons…..that’s their only excuse….MORONS!!!!
papadawg
November 2nd, 2011
9:20 am
The DAWGS were without 2 starters for the first half against the gators. We could have cheated and had them playing if the DAWGS were like that plus this weeks game may be a bigger challenge than last week
Rooster
November 2nd, 2011
9:20 am
I’ll tell you what smells, it is Richt and the entire coaching staff that smells along with all the ganja being smoked in Athens.
JuJu Beans
November 2nd, 2011
9:20 am
Okay… 5 to 7 days.
We’re covered on this.
Play Ball !!!
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:20 am
This retard knows for a fact that a drug test and verification can be done in one day’s time. My brother’s son had to go through that to qualify for his last hospital assignment. Get real. This is especially true when you have your own testing facilitites…..as Georgia and Florida do have.
True Dawg Fan
November 2nd, 2011
9:20 am
J.T.Keene
November 2nd, 2011
9:19 am
I feel for ole jasper sanks. the write up on him earlier in the year had people saying how glad they were for good ole jasper. Now,cro wellllll has reminded everyone again of jaspers failures. cro welllll would have been a 4th stringer at alabama (while he lasted) had he not elected to go to uga and be the star of the dream team.
hahahahahahaha he would have started next year for bama and been second string this year.
CHDawg
November 2nd, 2011
9:21 am
Notsofast, if there was a drug test on Th or Fr, three people did know about the failure when the test was taken. IC, CT and KM all knew. So, the rumors could well have been started by the players. They often mention that sort of thing to friends.
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:21 am
……and some payback, too.
True Dawg Fan
November 2nd, 2011
9:22 am
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:20 am
This retard knows for a fact that a drug test and verification can be done in one day’s time. My brother’s son had to go through that to qualify for his last hospital assignment. Get real. This is especially true when you have your own testing facilitites…..as Georgia and Florida do have.
No its not, the ones that come back in one day arent as accurate, hence why they wait for the 5-7 day results that are actually conclusive.
Bud
November 2nd, 2011
9:22 am
I like the idea of the “two Brandons ” running the ball. Next pick the biggest of the backs we have and run that power play up the middle.
a country boy can survive
November 2nd, 2011
9:23 am
Crowell ain’t built for the SEC. He runs like one of those catch me-kiss me Pac 12 backs. I say trade him to Kiffen for one of those fine lookin USC cheerleaders.
Home Boy
November 2nd, 2011
9:24 am
Top DEFENSE in the SEC and Nation? Name a top offense in the SEC. The SEC is way down in offensive production this year and that is why UGA’s defense looks good!
JuJu Beans
November 2nd, 2011
9:24 am
I work at a “certified drug free” workplace. I’ve taken many drug tests over the years. When we adopted this policy back in the 1990’s, it actually did take several days to get results. Not now. It takes about five minutes to get accurate results.
Whatever… Georgia football is irrelevant anyway.
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:25 am
In all seriousness………drug use…..particularly synthetic drug use…….is a serious problem world wide….not in just football facilities in HS and college. Coaches everywhere….and their administrators…..need to come down hard on players who use and play. Not good for anything.
As I said…..Muschamp made his drug use statements with Chris Martin and Janoris Jenkins….both outstanding football players. Will Richt make his…..probably not. He suspends for N. Mex. St. Wow. Way to make a statement, Mr. Richt….did you check with Jesus, first?
Doug
November 2nd, 2011
9:26 am
Crowell will be no loss…he doesn’t play in the 4th quarter anyway.
JuJu Beans
November 2nd, 2011
9:26 am
Home Boy
November 2nd, 2011
9:24 am
Top DEFENSE in the SEC and Nation? Name a top offense in the SEC.
Alabama.
Georgia only looks “good” because they haven’t played but two teams with winning records. Of course, they didn’t look so good in those games, did they?
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:28 am
True….
In the case of my brother’s son…….it did….and was. Just the facts. Testing for drugs is easy and fast today. You are dreaming. If you want to delay the results……which I think happened in this case because the players were needed to play against Florida to save Richt’s job…..and maybe others…..the results were put throught the slow process of yesteryear. Believe what you want. I do. And I base my thinking on logic and the obvious.
a country boy can survive
November 2nd, 2011
9:29 am
why Americans even submit to random drug screens is beyond me. Ask me for one and i’ll put more than need on your boots.
True Dawg Fan
November 2nd, 2011
9:29 am
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:25 am
In all seriousness………drug use…..particularly synthetic drug use…….is a serious problem world wide….not in just football facilities in HS and college. Coaches everywhere….and their administrators…..need to come down hard on players who use and play. Not good for anything.
As I said…..Muschamp made his drug use statements with Chris Martin and Janoris Jenkins….both outstanding football players. Will Richt make his…..probably not. He suspends for N. Mex. St. Wow. Way to make a statement, Mr. Richt….did you check with Jesus, first?
hahahahahahhaha….. So I wonder why Urban didnt make spykes suspension for the EYE GOUGING longer than 1 quarter?????? Wow Florida really comes down hard on players.
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:30 am
Anyway….I have had my fun this morning with some Dawg lovers. Have a nice day. Enjoy the smell.
Hoopster
November 2nd, 2011
9:30 am
Richt is a hypocrite. Half the sporting world knew those clowns failed the test last week, got the results last week, yet Richt puts winning before doing the right thing. He’s so transparent and pathetic. What a joke.
JAWJeRDAWG
November 2nd, 2011
9:30 am
TampaGator 9:25 am
Why would you say that? Because he’s a Christian?
It’s your post and you’re entitled to say whatever you want, but IMO, your last sentence was distasteful.
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:31 am
True Dawg….
Like I said….I base my thinking and posts on logic. In your case, what does Muschamp have to do with Meyer……and what does drug use have to do with eyes? Wow. Maybe you need to go back to school and relearn the “logical thinking” concept.
True Dawg Fan
November 2nd, 2011
9:32 am
JuJu Beans
November 2nd, 2011
9:26 am
Home Boy
November 2nd, 2011
9:24 am
Top DEFENSE in the SEC and Nation? Name a top offense in the SEC.
Alabama.
Georgia only looks “good” because they haven’t played but two teams with winning records. Of course, they didn’t look so good in those games, did they?
Actually we scored 42 points on a good SC defense. and we only gave up 17 points on D.
And vs Boise we held them to prob their lowest point total of the year, and only lost by two TD’s.
You really do steal the moron of the day!
Count Dopula
November 2nd, 2011
9:33 am
Testing of the three running backs is not random. I don’t doubt that Richt waited late in the week to test them based on some knowledge he had of their drug use, knowing the results would come back the following week. “The Georgia Way” has become identical to the FSU way that Richt learned so well under his mentor.
True Dawg Fan
November 2nd, 2011
9:34 am
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:31 am
True Dawg….
Like I said….I base my thinking and posts on logic. In your case, what does Muschamp have to do with Meyer……and what does drug use have to do with eyes? Wow. Maybe you need to go back to school and relearn the “logical thinking” concept.
Their are both actions that required discipline you retard thats how they are connected. You are on here acting like FLorida would have done something different, but in reality they wouldnt. Hence the example to Spykes who should have been kicked off the team, but instead only got a 1 quarter suspension. Wow way to really come down hard on players for their actions!
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:34 am
Jaw…..
I am not big on the religion….or what I call mind control of the masses……thing. I prefer J.L. Packer’s concept of true spirituality….along with a lot of other mindful thinkers line Bonhoffer and Kirkenguard (sp?). Read…..it does wonders for the mind……and prevents others from controlling it.
True Dawg Fan
November 2nd, 2011
9:35 am
Count Dopula
November 2nd, 2011
9:33 am
Testing of the three running backs is not random. I don’t doubt that Richt waited late in the week to test them based on some knowledge he had of their drug use, knowing the results would come back the following week. “The Georgia Way” has become identical to the FSU way that Richt learned so well under his mentor.
Wow the reatrds are out in full force. Next you will say we didnt land on the moon, and that the CIA killed the Kennedys
True Dawg Fan
November 2nd, 2011
9:35 am
retards
Not so fast my friends
November 2nd, 2011
9:36 am
As someone with many connections in the judicial system I can tell you that we are all kind of right. You can get a positive result on a test they dip in the urine; however, that test does not give the full story. The rumor I have seen is they tested positive for synthetic pot, which does not show up on a quick test, but would only show up on a lab test.
CHDawg
November 2nd, 2011
9:36 am
TampaGator, Stop the nonsense; the Gators don’t suck! They will likely win out and go to a good bowl. They are still ranked 14th in the nation in total D, a D that improves every week. A D that also had to compile stats against several ranked teams, including #1 and #2. I think they are a top 15 team without the injuries. The fact that they had no suitable backup QB was a killer, but that isn’t easy for any team, and it wouldn’t be easy for UGA either. If you will remember, they were doing pretty well until the injury. In fact, this year has been the tale of two seasons. Before Brantley was hurt through the first half of Bama, then through the Auburn game. Two totally different teams. Although he was back for us, he wasn’t 100%, but Georgia’s D is better than you want to admit. Assuming 1 and 28 are better, and Brantley strengthens they will turn some heads. Having some UF connections, and unlike most Gator and Dawg fans, I root for the other team when they aren’t playing each other, so my perspective is a little different.
True Dawg Fan
November 2nd, 2011
9:36 am
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:34 am
Jaw…..
I am not big on the religion….or what I call mind control of the masses……thing. I prefer J.L. Packer’s concept of true spirituality….along with a lot of other mindful thinkers line Bonhoffer and Kirkenguard (sp?). Read…..it does wonders for the mind……and prevents others from controlling it.
ahahahahhahahahaha wow………… you are a nut case, I bet you wear a tin foil hat hahahha
JAWJeRDAWG
November 2nd, 2011
9:36 am
TampaGator
That’s fine. Shouldn’t have even commented on that, I guess.
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:37 am
True Dawg…..
Since I am such a “retard”….and you keep saying that……..why do you bother reading my posts? How completely illogical is that “action” or “reaction” by you?
Now….I have to go.
Charles
November 2nd, 2011
9:37 am
Preston seems we know what happened three players did not pass drug test. Are you suggesting some how there may be another explanation? Bottom line these three cared more about getting a buzz on and less about what their actions cause the rest of their teammate immaturity and me,me,me attitudes seem more important.
The only way you are going to get the message across to these and all young men is kick them off the team…
Truedawg
November 2nd, 2011
9:38 am
Just a question, lets step outside the suspension box for a second….Is anyone a little worried about how much IC is hurt-gassed-not looking like he can take a hit-unless he gets 10-15 yards on a carry and then he’s talking Sh*t……I love my Bulldawgs, but im kinda worried that IC playing only the first 2 quarters in most of his high school games because he would already have 250 yards and 3 TD’s by halftime has made him a little soft??? Just throwing that out there………G.A.T.A.!!!!!
True Dawg Fan
November 2nd, 2011
9:38 am
Not so fast my friends
November 2nd, 2011
9:36 am
As someone with many connections in the judicial system I can tell you that we are all kind of right. You can get a positive result on a test they dip in the urine; however, that test does not give the full story. The rumor I have seen is they tested positive for synthetic pot, which does not show up on a quick test, but would only show up on a lab test.
Which is a legal form of it and shouldnt require any suspensions.
WDE
November 2nd, 2011
9:39 am
Some body explain to me how everyone seems to KNOW this was a failed drug test? Wouldn’t that be a crime to divulge that information ? They may have smoked a joint after the game, they may have had 4-5 beers after the game…heck they may have had both or neither and just over slept and missed a class or tutoring session on Monday…so unless some one has something like PROOF spare us the failed drug test B.S. oh and TampaGator did you notice we beat the gators last week..I love saying that!!
JuJu Beans
November 2nd, 2011
9:39 am
a country boy can survive
November 2nd, 2011
9:29 am
why Americans even submit to random drug screens is beyond me. Ask me for one and i’ll put more than need on your boots.
I can tell you why my company was forced to do it. Insurance lobbies have pressured state legislatures to demand adherence to drug testing regimes in order to purchase Workman’s Compensation insurance. Why? Because if an injured employee fails a drug screening, then said employee is forbidden from receiving insurance benefits and the owners of the company for whom said employee works is relieved of any lawsuit liability. This legislation has also created a lucrative drug screening industry. It’s no coincidence that the Governor of Florida (who owns a drug screening company) pushed through a law requiring Florida residents to be drug screened as a prerequisite for receiving welfare benefits.
Fascism is slowly whittling away at the basic freedoms of American citizens while we all concentrate on Beer and Circus.
David
November 2nd, 2011
9:40 am
The buck has to stop here. Because your special or not special it does not matter, some one has to paid the price. On a sports team, when a player or players in this case let the team down, those players who got in trouble have to let everyone know that they are sorry what happen, and whoever plays in their spot has to picks up the stack. It happen to LSU a couple weeks ago, they rally to beat Auburn. It this case, Georgia as a team and this is a team sport (no one player is above the team) has to take care of business and move on from this. I see you all on Saturday finally a home game, and I do not have to bring my suitcase to this game.
gdawginkalamazoo
November 2nd, 2011
9:43 am
A gator preaching to us about discipline? Ha.
True Dawg Fan
November 2nd, 2011
9:44 am
WDE
November 2nd, 2011
9:39 am
Some body explain to me how everyone seems to KNOW this was a failed drug test? Wouldn’t that be a crime to divulge that information ? They may have smoked a joint after the game, they may have had 4-5 beers after the game…heck they may have had both or neither and just over slept and missed a class or tutoring session on Monday…so unless some one has something like PROOF spare us the failed drug test B.S. oh and TampaGator did you notice we beat the gators last week..I love saying that!!
BC some of us have connections to the team and get this kind of information. And yes it was a failed drug test. I was nervous all weekend knowing they had tested the team on friday before the game.
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:45 am
True Dawg….
You just want let me go……
NO……I actually predicted that Georgia would win by 3 points if Brantley played well and by 14 if he didn’t. I was wrong in both cases. He played well for 2 quarters and badly for the last two….and the Gators lost by 4. Feel better now?
a country boy can survive
November 2nd, 2011
9:47 am
@ JuJu Beans
amen brother. . .
G-Dawg
November 2nd, 2011
9:48 am
Secondary testing has to go to an indepedent lab for Mass Spec analysis…its a conflict of interest for a university to perform this test after an initial positive litmus test. the litmus test is just a prescreen to see if the sample needs to be analyzed. UGA performing the secondary, more expensive test, leaves the door open for tampering. Thats why it takes a few days to get final confirmation. Everyone do your research before you know what you’re talking about!!
NoGaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:49 am
Now is the time for AJC reporters to actually do some investigatve reporting.
There are numerous posts that say bloggers were coming forth THIS PAST WEEKEND about the failed tests. Others have said you can tell if a test is positive right after the test, with subsequent lab results confirming. Regardless, something was known prior to the game. Are Richt/McGarity hiding behind delayed lab tests to get around this? This really does reek of hypocrisy.
FWIW, as injured and flawed as UF is this year, UF may have lost even with the suspensions coming against them.
G-Dawg
November 2nd, 2011
9:50 am
BTW…dont act like ya’ll have never done anything bad/illegal when you were a teen or in college. Hippocrits!! Pretty harsh to criticize someone else, when you should take a look at yourself first!!
JuJu Beans
November 2nd, 2011
9:52 am
G-Dawg,
Drug tests aren’t the issue. Coach Mark Richt’s failure of leadership is the issue.
Go ahead. Stick your head in the sand and pretend that it will all go away if you just ignore it. That’s working very well so far, eh?
Six game win streak against the Sisters of the Poor – WooHoo!!!
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2011
9:52 am
True Dawg fan….
There has been little difference in talent at Georgia and Florida over the last 10 years…..but not in final scores. This year was a very difficult year for the Gators in that they are 1. very young and inexperienced 2. a new coach and staff 3. a lot of injuries to a lot of key players (did you notice that the CB that allowed the 2 4th down TD passes was Florida’s 3rd string CB at that postion….both Brown and Riggs were out of the game?)……but we won’t use that as an excuse….and that the OL that Jones beat like a drum was the backup OT (the RT, Chaz Green was out…and that made Matt Patchan, the starting LT, move to the RT where he was limited by a club on his right hand)…..
Florida had so many issues on offense on Saturday……and Georgia still only won by 4 points. And, if Florida had its offensive players healthy in that game….the score would have been 30-3 in the second quarter…..and not 17-3….
But none of that happened…..and Georgia won the game…..that is football. But I don’t expect any of that to be the case next year…….and I fully expect Florida to come back strong next year….and very big the following year.
Herb Brooks
November 2nd, 2011
9:52 am
“I’m tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have…Screw ‘em… this is your time; now go out there and take it”