Mark Richt blasts accusation that UGA selectively suspended running backs
ATHENS – A couple more things on these running back suspensions and then we’ll move on to the next thing for Georgia football.
Georgia coach Mark Richt addressed the situation for the first time during the SEC Coaches Weekly Teleconference on Wednesday. Here’s what he had to say:
- Richt took umbrage with the accusation that Georgia knew about the positive drug tests for Isaiah Crowell, Ken Malcome and Carlton Thomas before the Florida game and put off their suspensions until this week’s game against New Mexico State:
“My response is that we’ve always had the utmost integrity in everything we do. We have policies in place in our athletic association that we follow to the T. That’s the case here and it’s been the case since I’ve been at Georgia. We all know that we do our business the way it should be done and we do it with integrity. So people who make comments who don’t know probably shouldn’t, quite frankly, because they don’t know and I’d be able to prove 100 percent they’re wrong. But I’m not going to spend the time doing that. The bottom line is we have rules and we follow them to the T and we have the utmost integrity in how we go about our business. That’s how we’ve built this program since the day I got here and we’re not going to change for any reason.”
- Richt was asked about his philosophy regarding discipline and punishment and whether Georgia’s policies and procedures are adequate:
“I’ve always felt like was you have to have an element of punishment, something that will sting, something that will make somebody think twice about doing something or other guys who are watching, make them think twice. But you have to educate them, then you have to love them still. They’re still part of this family and we want them to understand we’re supporting them through it. But, you know, if the attitude is right and they’re ready to learn from it and become better for it, discipline can be a very positive thing in that way. Everything I’ve seen to this point has been pointing to that very thing. So I’m pleased with how they’re handling it. And then the other thing is, you’ve got to challenge the rest of your team to pick up the slack, whether it’s the young guys that are going to get this experience playing running back for the University of Georgia, when they thought that probably wasn’t very likely, all of the sudden they’re getting an opportunity to do something they probably dreamed of, which is a great thing. But the rest of the team, the special teams, the defense, the offensive line, the receiving corps, the quarterbacks, everybody’s got to play a little better to make sure that this situation is not going to cost us.”
- Was he shocked or surprised that three players at one position would run afoul at once:
“Yeah, but I’m not surprised that young men make mistakes. We all know no one is perfect. We know that young guys tend to use bad judgment sometimes. When they do, that’s when we come in and help them out.”
- On concerns about character issues for Crowell, who has already been suspended for one quarter this season:
“I think Isaiah is going to do great, I really do. Because I saw how he has handled this mistake to this point and I really feel confident he’s going to be stronger for it. I really do.”
- Richt indicated sophomore Brandon Harton is the “leading candidate” to start at tailback on Saturday, followed by freshman walkon Kyle Karempelis and they’ll mix in other players:
“I’m not sure I can spell his name right now, but it starts with a K,” Richt said of Karempelis. “I like him. He’s a tough kid. He’s got some good run skills. In camp he did a nice job. Harton did a nice job last spring. . . . We’ll have to use [Brandon] Boykin and little more and [Branden] Smith a little more and maybe go some no-back sets. We’ve got enough tight ends. We have some ways we can still move the football.”
ALSO . . .
>>>Here’s A LINK TO UGA’S DRUG-TESTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. Everything you need to know is pretty much spelled out there. But since the accused parties are three players at the same position, it would seem reasonable to assume this week’s actions were the result of the “reasonable suspicion” clause. In other words, a coach or administrator suspected something and ordered a test for these guys, which they subsequently failed.
>>>Sooner or later, you have to question Georgia’s recruitment and coaching of the tailback position. Going back to Dontavius Jackson and continuing through Washaun Ealey and Caleb King, this makes six tailbacks in the last 15 months that have been subjected to some sort of suspension, dismissal or general disciplinary action. Bryan McClendon gets paid $200,000 a year to be the Bulldogs’ running backs coach. Ultimately, it is his responsibility to see that his charges are doing things “the Georgia way.”
>>>Finally, here are the options as we know them for playing tailback on Saturday against the New Mexico State Aggies (3-5), who, by the way, rank 111th in the nation in rushing defense (214.38 ypg):
- TB Brandon Harton (5-6, 174, So.)
- TB Kyle Karempelis (5-9, 180, Fr.)
- TB Wes Van Dyk (6-0, 203, Sr.)
- FB Zander Ogletree (5-10, 224, So.)
- CB Brandon Boykin (5-10, 183, Sr.)
- CB Branden Smith (5-11, 176, Jr.)
- FS Nick Marshall (6-1, 195, Fr.)
- CB Damian Swann (5-11, 177, Fr.)
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1,013 comments Add your comment
JB
November 2nd, 2011
2:15 pm
reebok……………you do know you guys at Tech are on Probation….for the second time in 10 years……………It’s like screaming at a guy walking to death row from your cell isn’t it?
ropeadope
November 2nd, 2011
2:16 pm
27-9 last 3 years…
We all know
November 2nd, 2011
2:17 pm
that this is not the first joint these guys have smoked, just the first time they got caught.
Spaceman Spiff
November 2nd, 2011
2:17 pm
reebok, ropeadope, gt joe, russ – all one in the same…poor, pathetic tecnerd trolls that live vicariously through us…Guess I would be bitter too at being UGA’a whipping boy…
Buckhead Bulldog
November 2nd, 2011
2:18 pm
Ha ha ha…These comments from GTers are too funny if not really sad. The ONLY way GTards can get a woody is by falsely perceiving something negative regarding UGA. Dumb dink pudding boys!
Baldheaded beauty
November 2nd, 2011
2:20 pm
Since when does it take 5-7 days to get drug test results back? Something is fishy about this situation. Coach Richt is got to be kidding himself. I still laugh about the ole situation with the red panties and the AD Evans guy, that was just pure HILARIOUS!!! Doggie doggie, can’t teach an old dawg new tricks!
ropeadope
November 2nd, 2011
2:20 pm
not a technerd…but would prefer that to being what you, JB, and dawginlex are..”Richt-lickers”…maybe ya’ll could get t-shirts with that printed on it…
Eisendawg
November 2nd, 2011
2:20 pm
Donnan’s record might have been good, but he couldn’t beat Tennessee, Florida, or Tech. UGA will tolerate alot, but the inability to beat Tech, at least most of the time . . . . . .
Mike
November 2nd, 2011
2:21 pm
uga fans are talking about an easy win over Florida. What was that final score again?
Tdawg
November 2nd, 2011
2:21 pm
I have a question. Who is going to run the ball this weekend? I no absolutely nothing about any of the runners we have left. Shoot, I thought that was our only 4 half backs that we had. I suppose that it will be run the FB’s up the middle and Murray will run the end runs, with Smith and Boykin running an occasional reverse. I got an idea. Sense Murray is a much better runner than passer, start him at TB and give Mason a shot at QB.
Midtown Rainbow Slurpers
November 2nd, 2011
2:21 pm
Let’s see, smoking a little weed vs. cocaine distribution and murder. Hmmm, okay!
Actuallly, GI...
November 2nd, 2011
2:21 pm
Enter your comments here
Is
November 2nd, 2011
2:22 pm
If GA does not continue to test these players, then all this talk about helping these guys improve their lives is just lip service to get them through the next big game.
Spaceman Spiff
November 2nd, 2011
2:22 pm
@ C King
Proof of this de-commit, please. Otherwise, STFU
Reuben Houston
November 2nd, 2011
2:22 pm
Dang, nobody ever tested me…..and look what happened. I was one of Tech’s finest, too!
DawginLex
November 2nd, 2011
2:22 pm
1998-2000
9-3
8-4
8-4
25-11
Math lesson over.
AltamahaDawg
November 2nd, 2011
2:23 pm
Why would UGA have broken it’s own detailed voluntary policy, Bar?
And Can they also choose to just hold somebody out on a Friday afternoon from some initial report, if it’s a patsy, when the confirmed report (trigger) would be due out the next week before an upcoming tougher opponent?
Actuallly, GIMME A BREAK...
November 2nd, 2011
2:23 pm
…this has nothing to do with NCAA rules – drug testing is an individual institutions perogative and is not controlled or monitored by the NCAA…
Spaceman Spiff
November 2nd, 2011
2:23 pm
Not so fast there, bald headed nut. It does take that long – ask the HR dept of where you work, oh, forgot – where your mommy works..
Quality W
November 2nd, 2011
2:24 pm
Dawg players are jealous of the higher quality weed the players are getting at miami—they want in on some of that stuff right off the boat.
ropeadope
November 2nd, 2011
2:24 pm
my bad, RL…hahaha
Bama Mike
November 2nd, 2011
2:24 pm
When you allow an 18 year old high schooler to suddenly become the face of your program and full access to the media then “you are what you are” in terms of the headaches from their decisions.
DawginLex
November 2nd, 2011
2:24 pm
mike
Since to Florida fans, a 34-31 loss in overtime is a “beatdown”, we thought we would respond in kind.
24-20 was an easy, dominating win
bucket
November 2nd, 2011
2:24 pm
We also know that these kids at UGA are not the only guys smoking, too.
Spaceman Spiff
November 2nd, 2011
2:25 pm
@ ropeadope
Funny one there…alsmost as funny as you getting your technerd shirt showing a sweaty UGA sack on GT’s faces…
Savannah Native
November 2nd, 2011
2:27 pm
I’m sorry I misread the article – I thought the three tailbacks were the only ones who passed the test and should be congratulated. Nevermind.
JB
November 2nd, 2011
2:27 pm
Tell us again techies what 300 dollars worth of free cloths got ya’ll…..It’s a great bedtime story……..Start with 4 years of probation……..whoaaaaa………….ACC title stripped…..AND 100K FINE……………all for an attitude of “We’ve got bigger fish to fry”……
Still@theKool-aidBAR
November 2nd, 2011
2:27 pm
Spaceman Spiff…………..not true as well. Probation Officers do a drug test and know the results 5 minutes after you zip up. There are different Dipsticks that test for illegal drugs. If the samples is positive it is then sent to a lab to check the LEVEL of drugs. UGA and RICHT could have known the players were using before the UF game and then sent the failed tests to the lab for detailed confirmation.
ropeadope
November 2nd, 2011
2:27 pm
hoping my new name for you status quo uga fans sticks…
bucket
November 2nd, 2011
2:28 pm
As a Dawg fan that will be attending Saturday’s game I don’t think we should crucify these suspended players. However, I also don’t want to have to watch them laughing and throwing the ball around on the field before the game.
Dr. Evil
November 2nd, 2011
2:28 pm
“Er Coach, we just got in some preliminary drug tests and Crowell, Malcombe and Thomas failed them.”
“Wellll let’s see here (thumbing thru policy manual). Ya know, we follow it to a T. It says here we need to send them to a lab so that’s what we’ll do. Tell ‘em no rush tho’ they’re probably really busy. And make dang sure we don’t get those results back til after this weekend BUT before next weekend. That’s following it to a T.”
DawginLex
November 2nd, 2011
2:28 pm
only if you agree to change your name to dopewitharope and tell us which team you support…..
Trojan
November 2nd, 2011
2:29 pm
RAMPDAWG: Great post. I worry about people who attack religion just because a person if from another university.
sammiamm
November 2nd, 2011
2:29 pm
Gonna need some chaperones or other form of adult supervision when these fine young party animals come to the Joke By the Coke-aine. Can’t take but 1-2 steps off campus (in any direction) without being hassled by dealer–or muggers.
Like another before me pointed out: You can question Richt’s coaching all you want, but not his integrity. His integrity is bullet proof.
Match that nerds.
Spaceman Spiff
November 2nd, 2011
2:29 pm
@ Still
Detailed confimation is the word there…
AltamahaDawg
November 2nd, 2011
2:30 pm
SO your vote, Bar is that in the future UGA can just decide which game to administer the self imnposed penalty?
ropeadope
November 2nd, 2011
2:30 pm
dawginlex=richt-licker
Alex
November 2nd, 2011
2:30 pm
Oh, so we beat the gaytors with a backfield full of stoned running backs. This takes our superiority to a new level.
Baldheaded beauty
November 2nd, 2011
2:30 pm
Dr. Evil
November 2nd, 2011
2:28 pm
“Er Coach, we just got in some preliminary drug tests and Crowell, Malcombe and Thomas failed them.”
“Wellll let’s see here (thumbing thru policy manual). Ya know, we follow it to a T. It says here we need to send them to a lab so that’s what we’ll do. Tell ‘em no rush tho’ they’re probably really busy. And make dang sure we don’t get those results back til after this weekend BUT before next weekend. That’s following it to a T.”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! So frickin true!!!
DawginLex
November 2nd, 2011
2:30 pm
ropeadope=dopewitharope
Tech fan I take it?
In Other News...
November 2nd, 2011
2:31 pm
Georgia 24 Florida 20
This just in: Florida still sux
Tdawg
November 2nd, 2011
2:31 pm
So Baldheaded beauty can’t afford panties for his wife?, Look buddy. If you and the wife can’t afford panties, maybe you should take her down to he salvation army. They most likely got all colors and sizes. You may have to dig way down to the bottom of the stack though. I believe that is where the 4XXXX sizes are.
GT/UGA Dad
November 2nd, 2011
2:32 pm
I worked in a clinical lab for over 40 years and we did a good amount of drug testing. For the screening done for the NCAA a chain of custody urine sample(2 separately sealed sample containers) must be collected. It is then sent to a reference lab for analysis. At all phases of sample transfer, the form must be signed and dated by the receiving person.
If these samples were collected on Thursday, they would have to be sent to the reference lab performing the testing. Those samples would not have been received by the testing lab until Friday. The sample would then be screened for drugs. If positive, they would be confirmed by a process called gas chromatography/mass spectometry. If that process confirms the drug then the second sample is opened and analyzed in order to make absolutely sure the results are correct. If the results from the second set of testing confirms the first, the results are reviewed by a toxicologist and then reported.
Depending on what time the sample was received by the testing lab, processed and then analyzed in duplicate, it could well have been Saturday afternoon before UGA was notified of the results. A little late to suspend players for a 3:30 game.
I am sure that that was probably the case.
d-dog
November 2nd, 2011
2:32 pm
If this was handled differently and one of those three young men was hurt…………………………
ALL HELL WOULD BREAK OUT. WE would have a media party.
I know journalism is a part of our world and important one……………..
But, sometime some of you guys leap before look…….DANGER lookout
Pl;ease, don’t hurt other people by an inaccurate lead…story…lie….you make the call
ropeadope
November 2nd, 2011
2:34 pm
t-dawg…that response to BHB was beyond stupid…weak
Spaceman Spiff
November 2nd, 2011
2:34 pm
@ Tdawg
Thats just wrong! funny as he**, though!
AltamahaDawg
November 2nd, 2011
2:34 pm
So you would be fine with holding out Player XYZ THIS weekend if they knew about some pending results late in the week, to make sure he was back for the Auburn game when the result had been confirmed, despite that not being the long standing policy?
Dawg_Central
November 2nd, 2011
2:35 pm
LMAO at some of these idiots on here that are surprised a college student would smoke marijuana…….hmmmmm…..their daughters and sons at college are probably doing the same. So those without “sin” cast the first stone. Yes there is consequences, but really……it’s a mole hill, not a mountain…….haters will be haters……and UGA is hated and envied, especially by those pimpled faces in the capital city…..don’t worry guys, your annual a** whooping is coming soon…..Go Dawgs !!
Clint Barmes
November 2nd, 2011
2:35 pm
Crowell is another Pulpwood Smith…..lol
KBP
November 2nd, 2011
2:36 pm
Please stop blaming the coaches for these kids getting in trouble. Blame the coaches if they ignore the infractions or try to cover them up but they are in no way responsible. This is a reflection of these kids decision making and values. The flawless and feared Nick Saban recruited Crowell too and chances are Crowell would have smoked weed at Bama as well. Maybe blame the coaches for a lot of other things but not for how a kid behaves.