UGA not only football program dealing with domestic violence issues
ATHENS – I was traveling yesterday when UGA announced it had decided on a two-game suspension for starting cornerback Sanders Commings at the start of next season.
Even though Georgia coach Mark Richt has avoided commenting on the subject so far, a spokesman told me Richt decided on the two games Wednesday after a series of meetings with Commings and conducting his own investigation into the matter. Commings, 21, was arrested by UGA police on Jan. 21 and charged with domestic violence/simple battery for allegedly hitting his former girlfriend.
Commings is scheduled for a March 22 arraignment before an Athens-Clarke County judge, so his legal case remains unresolved. Meanwhile, the incident is also being investigated by UGA as a possible violation of student conduct code. That review is ongoing, though I’ve reported on some of the interviews that were already available through the Freedom of Information Act. Those documents lead one to believe it the case might not be as cut-and-dried a case as the original police reports indicated.
Meanwhile, Georgia is not the only SEC team having to deal with a domestic violence issue. According to a report in the Orlando Sentinel today, Gators freshman tight end A.C. Leonard was arrested Wednesday night on domestic violence charges. Leonard was due to be released on his own recognizance Thursday and Florida coach Willi Muschamp has yet to comment on the situation.
Said spokesman Steve McClain: “Coach Muschamp is currently traveling and unavailable, but he will address the matter later today.”
There have been some other recent precedents as well:
On Feb. 3, Clemson dismissed wide receiver Joe Craig due to a domestic violence incident. However, apparently that was Craig’s second such charge. He was indefinitely suspended and ultimately missed three games last season due to the previous incident.
Conversely, Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw did not miss any playing time after he and his girlfriend were both arrested on domestic violence charges in 2009.
Which brings us to where we are today. Commings has already been issued a two-game suspension while his legal issues remain unresolved. So how do you guys feel about that? Should the Bulldogs have waited until his matter had run its course through the university and local legal systems? Do you trust Coach Richt’s judgment and/or did he get it about right? Is Georgia going too easy on Commings?
Intelligent, thoughtful comments only, please.
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547 comments Add your comment
Ghost
February 16th, 2012
8:30 pm
01 Hawk , Neither of these players has signed with Bama, neither has graduated from high school. Enough of the silver back type chest thumping act like you been around a winning program.And just in case you missed the headline this isn’t the recruiting blog.But since you mentioned it why did 3 of the top 6 players from the State of Alabama sign with FSU?
A person SMART enough to know......
February 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
Suspend him indefinitely until the Court or School Disciplinary Comity come back with a ruling of some kind or Don’t Do Anything until the Court or School Disciplinary Comity. I think the 2 game suspension is dumb until more is know as to what he really did.
01HAWK
February 16th, 2012
8:38 pm
Ghost ………………………………………….Wrong again………………..PUPPY CHOW
Alabama signed four of the top six players, led by No. 2 T.J. Yeldon, the Daphne running back who has already enrolled in Tuscaloosa. In all, the Crimson Tide added six Elite 18 members. That does not include Vigor defensive lineman Darius Philon, who had committed to Alabama, then reportedly got a grayshirt offer from the Crimson Tide and signed with Arkansas.
ga gator
February 16th, 2012
8:40 pm
If UF’s AC Leonard is indeed found guilty of hitting the girl in his apartment, Muschamp needs to kick him off the team. No suspensions, no warnings, gone.
intheknow
February 16th, 2012
8:44 pm
Correction Monkey….Saban is 2-3 against Richt…and
0-1 against La. Monroe….Monkey your name says it all about you….go play with your banana!LOLLOLLOL
kybodawg
February 16th, 2012
8:44 pm
if he is exonerated thne the susspension should be lifted, but this sends a message to other guys we dont want anymore mess ups.
Ghost
February 16th, 2012
8:45 pm
No hawk 3 of AlaBama top six players signed with FSU ,
Jameis Winston
QB
Hueytown, AL
Hueytown
Winston threw for more than 2,000 yards, rushed for nearly 1,000 more and accounted for 44 touchdowns in 2011.
5 stars
6′4″
200
Florida St.
#2
T.J. Yeldon
RB
Daphne, AL
Daphne
Yeldon rushed for 2,193 yards and 32 touchdowns during senior campaign.
5 stars
6′2″
205
Alabama
#3
Chris Casher
DE
Mobile, AL
Davidson
Casher did not play as a senior because of Alabama transfer rules.
4 stars
6′4″
225
Florida St.
#4
Reggie Ragland
LB
Madison, AL
Bob Jones
Ragland was defensive leader for team that went 10-2 and allowed 13 points a game.
4 stars
6′4″
245
Alabama
#5
Ryan Anderson
LB
Daphne, AL
Daphne
Anderson recorded 92 tackles with 12.5 sacks in 2011.
4 stars
6′3″
250
Alabama
#6
Justin Shanks
DT
Prattville, AL
Prattville
Shanks is mainstay on defensive front for one of Alabama’s stingiest defenses.
4 stars
6′3″
306
Florida St.
A person SMART enough to know......
February 16th, 2012
8:50 pm
intheknow…..don’t know GOOGLE
2003 Sat, Sept 20 #2 LSU w17-10…Saban 1-0 Richt
2003 Sat, Dec 6 #2 LSU w34-13…Saban 2-0 Richt
2004 Sat, Oct 2 LSU L16-45…Saban 2-1 Richt
2007 Sat, Sept 22 BamaL23-26…Saban 2-2 Richt
2008 Sat, Sept 27#8 Bamaw41-30…Saban 3-2 Richt
01HAWK
February 16th, 2012
8:50 pm
Ghost,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Who cares who is correct. BAMA has the CRYSTAL 2 out of 3 years and FLORIDA STATE………………………….SUCKS
intheknow
February 16th, 2012
8:51 pm
What do you get when you cross a Monkey with a Bama fan?….a guy thats hung like a field mouse!
A person SMART enough to know......
February 16th, 2012
8:54 pm
intheknow is a MORON that doesn’t know crap.
Intheknow please show the games Richt has won against Saban since you think it is Richt 3-2
Monkey
February 16th, 2012
8:56 pm
http://www.cfbreference.com/coaches/detail/195-nick-saban/vs/35-mark-richt/
You are not in the know…
You are in the NO! The same thing your daddy said when he saw you being hatched by your mom in your trailer park.
kral
February 16th, 2012
8:59 pm
so much for intelligent thoughtful comments…learning to laugh at all sides…better on the blood-pressure..GO DAWGS
Monkey
February 16th, 2012
9:03 pm
We have all come to the realizatiopn that some UGA fans are revisionist who change the facts to fit their argument.
The moron who wants to bring up Louisiana Monroe is just digging at nothing as we all know that in that first year Saban ran off the trouble makers Shula had in house, suspended 5 starters for a total of 17 games and finished the season ( his first at 6-6-regular season.). He then went on to recruit the top class in America, played in the SECCG, beating UGA in Athens during that infamous Blackout game.
But looking at year 10 plus for Mark Richt he loses to Colorado( who fired their coach) and UCF while finishing 6-7….whoopie….I guess he ran out of Donnan players….
Monkey
February 16th, 2012
9:07 pm
intheknow
February 16th, 2012
8:44 pm
Correction Monkey….Saban is 2-3 against Richt…and
0-1 against La. Monroe….Monkey your name says it all about you….go play with your banana!LOLLOLLOL
Does your mom know you are using her computer again? Is it past your bedtime or are you waiting for American Idol to end before you crawl into your spiderman pajamas?
Not really a part of the school folks, not at all
February 16th, 2012
9:37 pm
If a student, whether jock or not, hits a woman, be it his spouse his gal pal or the “mother of his child’ is not part of that school’s issues. It simply is not.
Is he a football player? Yes. Is he a student? Yes. Is another non athlete a student? Yes, are they managed when off campus with their family or their pals? Not really. NO MORE JOCK DORMS …………………..folks.
Any one to say the school or a “coach is at fault” or that the “school is guilty” has NEVER BEEN TO COLLEGE> look at that CURRENTUVA girl murder incident and look at that false charge rape incident up at Duke, two or three years ago …………………..are they excellent schools? YES !!Were both boys student athletes? Yes …………………BUT IT WAS NOT Duke’s or UVA’s issue. These young people are semi adults and a progrsam DOES NOT MICRO MANAGE THEM. Younger men are fighting wars ………………….people. Get real. These student athlete men are self responsible.
End of story …………………..now, UGA haters, go hate some more. Start with UVA or Duke.
Go Dogs.
boykin
February 16th, 2012
10:03 pm
A person SMART enough….to throw out mumbo jumbo Bamer stat bs….to criticize the DAWGS.at every turn though he bows down to CMR……to be a an imbecile…
BG
February 16th, 2012
10:15 pm
I guarantee you Leonard at UF will not miss 2 games. I doubt Leonard misses any playing time.
bravesfan79
February 16th, 2012
10:16 pm
No one should be suprised, in fact black women are abused at 8 times the rate of white women. Part of why teaching your kids racial pride is so important.
A person SMART enough to know......
February 16th, 2012
10:29 pm
boykin SOBER up and repost that in some meaning form of expression. Who bows down to CMR?
boykin
February 16th, 2012
10:45 pm
u understand son. woop de doo 3-2 sabine over richt…ur point? dont try to be Tolley…read Univ. policy to understand…
Fair n Balanced
February 16th, 2012
10:46 pm
Had this been CMR’s daughter……whadathink? Gone like a freight train. 2 game sus vs dismissal at Clemson…….. And the off season has begun in force.
boykin
February 16th, 2012
10:48 pm
Oh..you bow down because your WORLD is consumed by the DAWGS!!!!
SicEm brother
A person SMART enough to know......
February 16th, 2012
10:52 pm
You tell me the University Policy of post a link to where you read it from.
boykin
February 16th, 2012
11:02 pm
Your on here spouting your knowledge daily to the masses..try reading an AJC article before you start proving your intelligence to us all…since your of shallow mind try looking at today’s Sports page and Policy may still be up in an article. Funny…you can find all these incredible detailed facts n figures bout your DAWGS or Bamer but unable to deal with simplistic articles.
A person SMART enough to know......
February 16th, 2012
11:05 pm
Haven’t seen a single piece on the Sports Page all day about Policy posted.
boykin
February 16th, 2012
11:14 pm
Ignorant…”and Policy may still be up an article”….Listen 1st and then respond…never have heard that?
Read your AJC before getting on blogs son.
SicEm
A person SMART enough to know......
February 16th, 2012
11:18 pm
haven’t seen it all day you stupid F..k I just told you after I read your post. You know where it is or you are lying again. What was the title ? Look it up if you know it was there and post the link you az.h.le.
Ghost
February 16th, 2012
11:27 pm
Hawk if Fla. state sux so bad why are Alabamas top player going there in droves and dissing Saban?
Nick wanted Winston in a bad way.
boykin
February 16th, 2012
11:28 pm
LMAO…I read the article, ignoramous. Do I have to put it on your plate with a spoon wrapped coated in rubber so your gums won’t get cut?
A person SMART enough to know......
February 16th, 2012
11:34 pm
What was the article titled if you read it? I don’t see it. If you are so smart find it and put the link.
A person SMART enough to know......
February 16th, 2012
11:36 pm
boykin you sure talk a lot of scrap for not saying anything.
boykin
February 16th, 2012
11:39 pm
Not claiming intelligence merely exposing ignorance and futility.
A person SMART enough to know......
February 16th, 2012
11:43 pm
where is the Article? you keep typing and still not saying anything. You are just lying again I guess not to back up your talk. Where is the article?
boykin
February 16th, 2012
11:43 pm
Policy was written in an article this week or latter part of last week..Let’s break bread, enjoy a Drewry’s, and have a more pleasant dialogue next visit. That OK?
And can ya stop HATING on the DAWGS and giv ‘em some LOVE?
Peace out.
kingdaddy
February 17th, 2012
12:31 am
Sanders has been a DGD so far and I’m sure CMR is aware of the job he has of trying to keep 80 something young men in line. I’ve got a 20 and 23 ye.old and I feel for him. Please let him get ALL the information before ruining young Mr.Cummings life. These boys know better than to hit anyone not on a football field, especially a woman. Richt knows what he’s doing.
Joe
February 17th, 2012
12:53 am
Is it possible that you could report on something positive about a program just once???? You seem to just look for all things negative..It is understandable why you do not like writing things about Mark Richt unless it is about him having to deal with any discipline problem at GA. Now you go looking for them elsewhere? Get a life there are so many good things players are doing for kids that are never reported.
Jimmy
February 17th, 2012
2:32 am
Monkey,
Your facts are correct. Alabama is so great, and UGA is not. Blah blah blah. The problem is this is a UGA blog on an Atlanta, Ga website. It’s not an Alabama blog on an Alabama website, so in all honesty, who gives a rats rear what or your kind think. Just go away already.
Oh, and congrats on your 92 championship ring as a GA. How many “massages” did you give Jay Barker? LMAO
59bulldawg
February 17th, 2012
4:40 am
From what I had read, witnesses somewhat contradicted the complainant’s claims. So I was a little surprised that Richt moved ahead of the student disciplinary committee and Commings’ arraignment in court. But maybe Richt has access to information not publicly available.
TampaGator
February 17th, 2012
6:47 am
BG…..
Muschamp suspended Leonard from the team. That means he is not on the Florida Gators roster until the outcome of his court case. If he is found guilty, I doubt he will be playing football for the Gators anymore. Here is Muschamp’s comment:
“We certainly do not tolerate this type of behavior at the University of Florida.”
So….I what else do you have to “guarantee”?
I would say so far that Muschamp has handled his situation a lot better than how Richt has handled his. No matter what happens with Cummings, he will be playing after 2 games for Georgia. To be determined with Leonard…..as it should be.
TampaGator
February 17th, 2012
6:51 am
ga gator…..
You can’t kick someone off a team until they are found guilty. You can suspend them, and that is what Muschamp did with Leonard last night. If he is found guilty, I am sure the consequence applied by Muschamp will be severe for Leonard.
Beast from the East
February 17th, 2012
7:06 am
TampaGator,
That’s exactly what ga gator said. “IF” he is found guilty, he should be gone. I agree with both of you, by the way.
bubba4dawgs
February 17th, 2012
7:17 am
In every case, the facts must be examined! It was reported and validated by witnesses that Commings was approached by his girlfriend who grabbed his arm screaming that he did not spend enough time with her. She was making a scene and Commings pulled her arm away and shoved her. All this will have to open up in court. Who knows, he may even be acquitted of all charges. Perhaps there is more to it than this which is why Coach Richt decided to move and suspend Commings for the first two games. Coach Richt would not do anything to harm his players. He gets advice from UGA lawyers before making a move. He has to be very careful with the NCAA gorilla who is eager to pounce on you at the drop of a hat. Are they inconsistent with their pouncing? You best believe it! Notice they didn’t bother brother Nick Sabin! GO DAWGS!!
MIKE WLLIAMS
February 17th, 2012
7:18 am
what happens when a regular student is arrested on these same charges…are they suspended for to biology classes….can’t go to the student center to eat…..what?
dabigdaawg
February 17th, 2012
7:18 am
what
saddleback
February 17th, 2012
7:22 am
There must be a little fire along with the smoke, otherwise, I do not believe the Coach would have suspended him for the two games. It seems that the legal system should run its course before being suspended. Again, Coach met with him so there must be something to the allegations. If that is the case, then what is the difference between hitting a woman and borrowing a little money from your friends wallet without their knowledge? One gets slapped on the wrist for hitting a woman, the others get kicked off the team! None of them were tried or proven guilty, as yet. As always, with most coaches, the better the athlete and the more the team needs them determines punishment. If guilty, they should all be kicked off the team. A Felony is a Felony. No matter what college, what coach, or what conference! That being said, after 41 years of marrige and never striking my wife, there have been times when ……………………………………………………………………………………………………her!!!
saddleback
February 17th, 2012
7:33 am
Chris. If you knew anything about the law, you would know that women are “arrested” for domestic violance every day. If a man is slapped, scratched, bruised, has any physical harm, and does “not” retaliate, that woman can or will be arrested. Just ask local, state or federal law enforcement!!
GaDawg
February 17th, 2012
7:42 am
Chip, You put an extra I in Will Muschamps name, Just thought I would let you know.
Meanwhile, Georgia is not the only SEC team having to deal with a domestic violence issue. According to a report in the Orlando Sentinel today, Gators freshman tight end A.C. Leonard was arrested Wednesday night on domestic violence charges. Leonard was due to be released on his own recognizance Thursday and Florida coach Willi Muschamp has yet to comment on the situation.
Der Blau Engel und mur...
February 17th, 2012
8:05 am
Do any dawgturd fans really believe that Richt is not a win-at-all-cost coach? The only reason he doesn’t win is that he’s a third-rate coach.
A coach with any integrity would have kicked a punk like Commings off the team.
boykin
February 17th, 2012
8:09 am
bubba4dawgs: I concur and believe CMR knows a lil bit more about this than us…therefore making the justified call.