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
Spaceman Spiff
November 2nd, 2011
3:21 pm
Ah yes, according to gt jackoe, UGA new of the failed test and then waited a week for another retest. I would restate JB’s post about jackoe getting a woman, but his mommy won’t let him.
AltamahaDawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:22 pm
MY guess, you are suddenly in the knowledge of the rumor last week, today?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
November 2nd, 2011
3:22 pm
AltamahaDawg
Do your research. Look for posts on this blog during a HOME game of mine. You wont find one because Im at all home games.
No I did not go to the game in Jacksonville this year because FL is terrible and there was no excuse in losing to them this year. Plus dealing with the traffic after the game is a nightmare
As for you saying I dont attend home ball games. Mike the guy who paints the bulldog on his head sits behind the field goal where the temporary bleachers are at
The team is at the dog walk 2 hours before the game which Richt rarely if ever shows up
Zeir Hondo and Loran Smith have their radio show under the bridge where Seiler parks his Suburban to take out UGA the mascot
You probably have never been the Sanford Stadium and you probably think UGA plays in the country of Greece
Notso Fast
November 2nd, 2011
3:22 pm
OK. Coach R statements on this matter is good enough for me. I had my doubts since it wastn’r directly address but now that it has, let’s move on.
GT Joe
November 2nd, 2011
3:22 pm
Richt: “I’d be able to prove 100 percent they’re wrong. But I’m not going to spend the time doing that.”
LOL what a joke.
Dawson Dave
November 2nd, 2011
3:22 pm
It’s funny but the words “integrity” and “doing things the right way” don’t come to mind when I watch a Georgia football team in action. Celebrating after every play….standing over downed opponents in a menacing way…trying to hurt guys instead of just tackling them…Richt truly specializes in recruiting a certain kind of individual. I guess it’s the old Florida St. formula.
GIVE ME A BREAK
November 2nd, 2011
3:23 pm
Actually the NCAA does control and monitor the drug policies and testing.
AltamahaDawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:23 pm
“time for you to Die, Doobie!”
G-Dawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:24 pm
Joe…you consistently miss the point. No program is perfect!! Except GT in your crappy point of view!! Man..you really are a toolbag!! Cant help to feel sorry for your lonely egotistical self.
Know Nothing
November 2nd, 2011
3:24 pm
So what if we lose this game. It’s not a conference game anyway. Georgia’s got bigger fish to fry.
UGA Insider
November 2nd, 2011
3:24 pm
We said Dawson Dave,
It’s time for the CMR era to end at UGA. I have had enough the embarrassments over the past 4 years. Please hire Chris Peterson or keep CTG. It’s time to fire CMR and the entire offensive staff.
Gdawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:24 pm
Ramble ON, oops I forgot my comment I am lighting one up from little Joe Hamilton and then going for the hard stuff from your convicted FELON Ruben Houston. Get back in your parents basement brother.
GT Joe
November 2nd, 2011
3:24 pm
JB and Spiff: I do have a woman. Actually 2. Have you seen your wives today?
Old White Haired Man
November 2nd, 2011
3:25 pm
i know why reefer was outlawed…
Rocky
November 2nd, 2011
3:25 pm
Clearly Chip jumped the gun by implying that Coach Richt was not forthcoming. Chip, you should know better. Coach Richt has a long track record of integrity so when you see something that may smell a bit fishy–you give the guy with the proven track record the benefit of the doubt. Terrrible thing to imply that a person of character is not a person of character. I hope that you will apologize to Coach Richt in writiting asap.
Dawg48
November 2nd, 2011
3:26 pm
I’m just glad the drug test was before the fla game! All the players that played against fla would fail a drug test due to a contact high!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
November 2nd, 2011
3:26 pm
Love how the GT fanbase is on here running their mouths when GT is known for players that Assault Women, murder people, and cheat all the time as well
AltamahaDawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:26 pm
I’ll be staying at the Holiday Inn next weekend, want to come find me sport?
BTW, I’ve taken my kids to a few and any one of them could have listed your great gameday breakdown after going to thier first one. Real insider there.
GT Joe
November 2nd, 2011
3:26 pm
Of course no program is perfect. Sure, we have had issues. And sure, UGA has a tougher drug policy than Tech (I guess). But not following through on your own policy makes it worthless.
Kinda like saying “i’m a good Christian” on your way to the strip club.
GT Joe
November 2nd, 2011
3:28 pm
Richt is slimy, but it’s all good. Just don’t put up the “clean” facade. If you’re slimy, then own it.
He’s from South Florida, who isn’t slimy down there.
UGA Alumnus
November 2nd, 2011
3:28 pm
@GT Joe
November 2nd, 2011
3:12 pm
You think it’s possible that the rumors where that the three had been given a drug test?
G-Dawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:28 pm
They were caught..busted…suspended?? what else do you want?? Tar and Feathered?
Gdawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:28 pm
GT Joe, is this Joe Hamilton??? are you selling to our boys in Athens?? Joe???? didnt you step out of bounds in 98? did you slip that old ACC ref a doobie to look the other way???? Joe??
ARdawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:28 pm
GT Joe
You are the Joke and the blind homer. There’s nothing wrong with you hating UGA, that’s understandable seeing how we embarrass your football team year after year but, you are just spewing vitriol with no basis nor inclination of fact. Now, get your McDonalds uniform on and get to work
Spaceman Spiff
November 2nd, 2011
3:28 pm
@ Still
Show us where the coaches knew before he came to campus…
papadawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:29 pm
I really don’t think most of the Georgia fans deserve a Coach with the integrity of Coach Richt. I think they want a Coach who would actually be there smoking dope with his players as long as they are winning. He treats his players as one of his own when he punishes them. Most parents don’t kick their kids out after one bad deed or do they
Tobias Funke
November 2nd, 2011
3:29 pm
Flat Tire
And I bet the people you sit around (I doubt anyone will sit next to you) just looooooooove your insight. Give it a rest. Better yet, go root for another team. I honestly don’t believe that you are a Dawg fan.
the voice of truth
November 2nd, 2011
3:29 pm
ok here’s the deal,,there are kids on EVERY team that smoke weed . Period.Did Richt(or somebody) sit on the results untill after Fla ? Maybe ,borderline probably. If Fla had won the game and a similiar deal happened with Demps and Rainey would EVERY Ga. fan be screaming foul ? 100 %
AltamahaDawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:29 pm
So now wee find out that it is YOU that is what’s wrong with the program, going and supporting the team and coaches with your cheers and money. Spare the rest of us with your rant next time about how we the real problem by not winning loud enough in a blog.
CMR = John Cooper, Ohio St U
November 2nd, 2011
3:30 pm
hear Peterson is headed to UCLA…Richt to Boise..if you can’t beat ‘em…well, you know the rest…
GT Joe
November 2nd, 2011
3:30 pm
That’s me Gdawg. You know us Tech grads are entrepreneurs, and UGA folks are just the suckers.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
November 2nd, 2011
3:31 pm
Flat Tire……….nice 3:22 post
what Tech players murdered somebody?
what player assaulted a woman?
what player cheated?
AltamahaDawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:31 pm
Chris Peterson has alreadsy been hired , hasn’t he?
Gdawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:32 pm
ok good, glad we cleared that up. Hire a UGA attorney on your next DUI.
Spaceman Spiff
November 2nd, 2011
3:32 pm
@ Gt Joe
That crack you made about women was absolutely hilarious. What surprises me, though, is that you know what a woman is other than your mommy…
UGA Alumnus
November 2nd, 2011
3:33 pm
@GT Joe
November 2nd, 2011
3:28 pm
Your head coach isn’t slimy at all, right?
What is with all these moral platitudes on a football blog?
But since we seem to be on that horse… “let he who is without sin, cast the first stone”
and…
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”
Alabama Jack
November 2nd, 2011
3:33 pm
Georgia no loner sucks – they blow – at least in the backfield.
G-Dawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:33 pm
Actually GT Joe…you set a poor example of what a GT alumni, fan, or student should represent for that university!!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
November 2nd, 2011
3:33 pm
AltamahaDawg
Dont worry we know you dont go
You cant afford the season tickets anyway thats why you never complain about anything that this coaching staff does
You were whining on here when they fired Willie Martinez
CMR = John Cooper, Ohio St U
November 2nd, 2011
3:34 pm
Peterson wants no part of this redneck fanbase.
GT Joe
November 2nd, 2011
3:35 pm
Alumnus: did I say CPJ wasn’t slimy? He might be, I don’t think so, but maybe you have some inside info?
All I’m saying is, Richt is just as slimy as the next HC. Just own it and stop being Reverend Richt.
G-Dawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:35 pm
Guess thats all you have left is throw stones…since ya’ll cant throw TDs and beat us!!!
Spaceman Spiff
November 2nd, 2011
3:35 pm
@ UGA Alumnus
That has to be the best post have seen in a while…
Dawg1
November 2nd, 2011
3:36 pm
Rampdawg put an end to this discussion. Georgia’s policy is tougher then just about any school in the country.
And Chip – name ONE program in a major conference that would not have taken Crowell? One.
You can’t.
Stupid comment about the running backs. Your better than that.
Zeb
November 2nd, 2011
3:36 pm
Alt…..why are you getting sucked into these petty arguments? Come on brotha….you’re a bigger man than that
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
November 2nd, 2011
3:36 pm
Dawgin Lex: Did you call “tanning salon” a MORON? Now you’ve really screwed up. You will get sued by MORONS everywhere. You shouldn’t get into namecalling with “Trailer Trash”. Oops! Now I got to apologize to “trailer trash” everywhere.
ARdawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:36 pm
the voice of truth
I think you should be taking Richt at his word.
If the test were testing for marijuana only, the results could be obtained in a matter of minutes. However, the tests were for a number of chemicals and apparently very thorough. Such tests for a number of steroids can take up to 2 weeks. The tests were done independently of the University. Quite frankly, it’s a bit surprising they had confirmed tests this quick
G-Dawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:36 pm
Fine..we’ll own it…just like we OWN TECH!!!
AltamahaDawg
November 2nd, 2011
3:36 pm
Did you just google, “day at Georgia football game”.
Well there’s the guy that paints his head, and a guy named Loren talking, and a dawg walk 2 hours before the game.
And let me guess, some hedges?
Know Nothing
November 2nd, 2011
3:37 pm
Remember Phat Phil. The longer you allow a dysfunctional football program to slide downhill, the harder it becomes to hire a decent replacement Head Coach. Georgia is already 3-4 years in the hole.