Georgia coach Mark Richt sidesteps questions on player suspensions
ATHENS — Georgia coach Mark Richt didn’t shed much light on the Bulldogs’ suspension situation when he addressed an unusually large media contingent at the end of Thursday’s practice. In fact, he didn’t as much as flick on a flashlight.
Richt would not even confirm that there are new suspensions despite numerous report Thursday that at least two of Georgia’s defensive stars have run afoul of the athletic association’s drug policy.
“I can’t confirm anything,” Richt told more than a dozen reporters and two Atlanta television news crews. “I’m just going to be waiting for us to go through our process. When there’s something to report, I’ll report it to everybody.”
Earlier Thursday, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was able to confirm that All-America safety Bacarri Rambo is facing a four-game suspension for failing a UGA-administered drug test this week. Rambo’s high school coach, Alan Ingram of Seminole County, said it was Rambo’s second violation of Georgia’s drug policy regarding marijuana, which according to the student-athlete handbook calls for a 30 percent suspension from the total number of competition dates. Rambo plans to appeal the suspension through UGA’s appeals process.
Ingram said he understands from his conversations with Rambo that junior linebacker Alec Ogletree also failed a similar drug test and is facing a similar length of suspension. In fact, Ingram said he believes as many as five UGA players failed drug screenings that were administered shortly after spring break.
But Richt refused to confirm or deny any of it. Before he entered the interview room on the second floor of Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall, UGA sports communication personnel passed out a brief written statement from him.
It read: “There is a process we follow regarding team guidelines and policies. I cannot make many comment until that process has run its course.”
Afterward, when Richt was asked questions regarding suspensions or player behavior in general, he referred to the statement.
“Don’t know if you’ve seen our handout but you might want to read it because you’ll hear it repeated again,” he said, smiling.
Asked exactly what process to which he was referring, Richt said: “Just, we’ve got our guidelines, we’ve got our policies. There are certain things we’ve got to do when we’re taking care of business and that’s what we’re talking about.”
Asked how he felt about handling player behavior issues, he said, “I don’t like distractions, that’s for sure.”
More details to come. . . .
Chip Towers, The UGA Blog
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417 comments Add your comment
kybodawg
March 29th, 2012
9:17 pm
before we accuse rambo of anything, maybe they were medical brownies. at least we know now how gas. players gain all that weight so fast.
Al Sharpton & Jesse Jackson
March 29th, 2012
9:17 pm
Why we must go to UGA and hold a protest .THEM people don’t have no right to suspended all these players!
Dumb
March 29th, 2012
9:17 pm
@mgdawg
your logic from your “wise man” is a load of crap
I’d try to make a point but by your post your reading cmoprehension skills are not that great.
That “friend” Ingram you speak of is actually his old football coach who communicates with him regularly ala a mentor.
I’d defin that for you to but you wouldn’t get it.
Try again troll and if you are a Dawg fan stay away from Athens. Your judgemental, better than everyone attitude isn’t what anybody needs.
Expectations
March 29th, 2012
9:18 pm
Why can’t UGA handle expectations.
z-dawg
March 29th, 2012
9:21 pm
Damn!! Gina
Cheech
March 29th, 2012
9:22 pm
We’ve all been there- spring break checklist:
Gas money
Beer
Shorts
Condoms
Brownies
What 20 year old doesn’t go on spring break with a fresh batch of home made brownies?
We believe you Rambo!
Clarke County College for Girls and Effeminate Boys
March 29th, 2012
9:25 pm
aww, thats a shame. great post JB @9:16.
Breakfast of Champions!
March 29th, 2012
9:27 pm
Glad to know the invest in a nutritionalist is paying off! Brownies for breakfast anyone?
Clarke County College for Girls and Effeminate Boys
March 29th, 2012
9:27 pm
if it ain’t the old coach, it’s the reverend or the ever present uncle mentoring these kids. rarely the father.
Burroughston Broch
March 29th, 2012
9:27 pm
What are you faithful UGA alumni going to say when Richt is revealed as more like Joe Paterno than a saint? Are you content to let the situation deteriorate to that level?
an observer from afar
March 29th, 2012
9:29 pm
Any bets on the other three?
dbc
March 29th, 2012
9:29 pm
I remember Rambo describing how tough it was to sit out the Boise game last year. Apparently it was so tough that he had no problem finding trouble again. Except now there’s a lot more at stake with a promising season and impending NFL riches. If it was me, I’d be hyper -sensitive to staying out of trouble, hanging out with low-risk people and not blowing it. But then again I guess that would make sense…tired of this crap year after year. Season is now officially derailed and we haven’t even made it to the “hold your breath months” of June and July. So much for all those “starters” coming back for a run at glory. Mizzou must be licking their chops…
Beast from the East
March 29th, 2012
9:31 pm
Paterno and Penn State enabled a pedophile. Richt has college kids getting into trouble. Can you not understand the difference between the severity of these issues?
Mobile Dawg
March 29th, 2012
9:38 pm
It appears “Coach Richt” is trying to tighten things up, apparently it’s not working, at least “short term”. If we changed coaches we would be having the same problems more than likely “short term”. It took Saban two years to weed out the problems and change the attitudes.
I wrote a few days back that Richt doesn’t “command respect” and was told that respect had to be earned, not commanded. I guess after yet another round of problems my question is “why, as a coach, would I have to earn the respect of a teenager. THWR, either you want to be here or you don’t.
Are UGA, and it’s supporters, willing to gamble that the same coach who allowed this loose, undisciplined, environment to permeate the program will be able to shed his skin and morph into the kind of coach that can clean it up. My money says he can’t. His players don’t respect themselves, the program, the coach, their teamates, or the fans. Everyone has the need to belong to something greater than themselves, something they are willing to sacrifice for. They just need someone or something to provide it for them. Richts time should be up in Athens, the contract hasn’t been signed yet.
Gman
March 29th, 2012
9:40 pm
Dbc, couldn’t agree more. If you really want something and all you have to do to stay on track is NOT ingest a certain substance, I’ll bet most people could pull that off. If however, you think that you are above the rules and are so important that everyone will give you a pass, you do what Rambo did and come up with a lame story like he did. Judging by the number of people criticizing the university, I could understand why he thinks this way.
Sloan
March 29th, 2012
9:43 pm
This isn’t Coach Richt’s fault. This isn’t McGarity’s fault. This is squarely on the shoulders of these players who know the rules, know they will be tested, and choose to screw up anyway. I have no problem with them random testing these guys the week after spring break. The only problem I have is that these kids don’t have more respect for the opportunities they are afforded because they can run fast and hit hard. Getting a free education for playing a sport is a privilege that ought to be motivation enough for staying out of trouble. Instead people continue to make excuses for these ingrates and blame everyone except the kids themselves. No wonder they don’t have any concept of taking responsibility for themselves.
michael
March 29th, 2012
9:43 pm
Buffalo, Missouri, Florida Atlantic, and Vanderbilt. This schedule was tailor made to handle these type of suspensions. We’ll be 4-0 and have a rested and hungry group of players with something to prove ready for the rest of the season. Having these kids miss 4 games against nothing more than glorified scrimmages is not a big deal.
Mountain Dawg
March 29th, 2012
9:44 pm
Why, oh why does Richt keep on recruiting Energy Vampires and other assorted Cancers year in and year out?
Big Crimson 75
March 29th, 2012
9:47 pm
Uga’s Season is on the brink of disaster!!
Before y’all start, YES, I’m a Bama fan, but also a College Football fan.
I thought UGA would go 10 & 3 possibly 11 & 2 during the Regular Season & SEC CG.
The Mizzu game is now officially a coin toss.
Then comes the heart of the schedule — UT, AUB, FLA, SC & GT.
Is UGA capable of winning 4 outta those 5?
Good News is the offense isn’t praticing in orange jersey’s…..YET!!
Mobile Dawg
March 29th, 2012
9:50 pm
What does it take to unite a group of people to a common cause? A Leader. Assuming Jarvis Jones isn’t among those who tested positive, how do you think he feels, after giving up a chance to go pro, to come back and be part of something special. I would be questioning myself at this point, along with my teamates.
We need a leader that can unite this team, a leader who draws a line in the sand, and says, if you want to be a part of this “team”, you need to commit. If you fall off the track, you become a casualty. We move on without you. You whiny everyone smokes pot bunch just proliferate the problem. I once worked for a company, when I was young, that tested us for drugs and alcohol. There was a “zero tolerance” policy. I respected that policy as did most. There were a few casualties along the way, but that’s what made the company a “fortune 500″ member.
doc
March 29th, 2012
10:03 pm
classic line from the high school coach of rambo trying to grow up these kids into men:
“It’s stupid timing on the part of the University of Georgia if you ask me,” Ingram said. “I don’t know who’s policy it was to set that up after spring break but that’s crazy.”
so funny, it is sad. no wonder these kids have warped sense of values and cultural expectations. geez, talk about making folks responsible, learnig lessons i life, no it is the fault of the test timing.
Modern Scholarship Athlete
March 29th, 2012
10:04 pm
You mean I have to give up weed to have a full-ride scholarship and play football for the University of Georgia? That is asking waaaay too much. I’ll take my chance with suspensions. Besides, most people will blame the institution if I get caught, instead of blaming me.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
March 29th, 2012
10:04 pm
Fire Richt, simple as that. Players have grown far to acustomed to the Preacher Man act. Time to change the voice in the locker room. Pathetic.
Big Crimson 75
March 29th, 2012
10:06 pm
Lowcountry — How can you?
You just gave him an extension…..or better yet – a New Contract.
Richt earned himself a minimum of 2 yrs with the new contract.
Mobile Dawg
March 29th, 2012
10:08 pm
The contract hasn’t been signed yet, has it?
bigdawg88
March 29th, 2012
10:09 pm
Rambo’s HS coach: “It’s stupid timing on the part of the University of Georgia if you ask me,” Ingram said. “I don’t know who’s policy it was to set that up after spring break but that’s crazy.”
Now you know why Richt has a hard time keeping these kids straight! They’re raised crooked by those HS coaches!! Someone needs to fire some HS coaches. That was the stupidest comment I’ve seen in awhile.
2012 Theme!
March 29th, 2012
10:09 pm
Theme for the season: Up in Smoke!
Team Counselors: Cheech & Chong!
Sad but True
March 29th, 2012
10:16 pm
I’m afraid that this is what CMR means by doing things “The Georgia Way”
It’s really the most consistent part of the program
George Stein
March 29th, 2012
10:18 pm
I can’t understand why anyone is surprised college students smoke (or eat) weed. This is such a small thing.
Burroughston Broch
March 29th, 2012
10:24 pm
@ Beast from the East
You knew nothing about Paterno’s doings until the full situation got into the media. You know almost nothing of what goes on at UGA because it’s being stage managed by the Athletic Association and the University press corps and lawyers. Can’t you see the similarity? Or do you want to keep looking the other way?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
March 29th, 2012
10:25 pm
Come on now Lowcountry Bulldawg I tried to tell you this garbage was going to continue but you guys wouldnt listen
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
March 29th, 2012
10:29 pm
Im mean people did you not see this coming
Seriously all the player issues last seemed to dissappear; why was that class?
Could it be there was a possible contract extension with less player issues and winning just 10 games
Sad but True
March 29th, 2012
10:31 pm
UGA is the flagship university in the 4th hottest recruiting state in the country and we are usually the 4th to 7th best program in the SEC. Doesn’t add up
Mobile Dawg
March 29th, 2012
10:34 pm
If Richt is going to stay, maybe Rambo and Tree need to go as an example. Can Richt rally the team to a unified cause?
WTF
March 29th, 2012
10:34 pm
Booze, Babes and Brownies!! Brownies are the 3rd B of spring break
Nothing says Spring Break like a fresh batch of brownies
Natureboy809
March 29th, 2012
10:38 pm
OK, let’s say for a minute Rambo DID accidentally eat brownies not knowing that they had weed in them, and then realized it after feeling high. Wouldn’t the smart thing have been to report it to Richt right away in case a test came up?
Scooter
March 29th, 2012
10:40 pm
Just glad Tree didn’t swipe another scooter helmet. Imagine the second offense for that!
RanDawg
March 29th, 2012
10:41 pm
-Really puts a damper on things….I was planning on coming to Athens for the Spring Game,spending the night,chilling out,etc.I haven’t done that in few years and thought it might be fun…Now,probably not…I’ve lost a little spirit and “caring” about this team.
–Hope the coaching staff AND players are reading this…
Tommy Chong
March 29th, 2012
10:42 pm
Remember giving up weed in my college days when I came to the realization that I could get hungry and tired without it.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
March 29th, 2012
10:43 pm
Where are those that slammed me all year for saying Richt did not deserve a contract extension until we see the results of his final 2 seasons on his current contract
Please step up we want to hear your wonderful spin on how this season will be great
dandydawg
March 29th, 2012
10:48 pm
I love UGA to the fullest!!! If I was a kid looking to play D! Football, I wouldn’t look at UGA!! This is a mad shame!!! Guys, if you are looking better start looking hard at Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee heck, even Vandy. At least they don’t try to ruin their kids lives!!!
Big Crimson 75
March 29th, 2012
10:50 pm
Flat — their already wondering if the Contract has ACTUALLY been signed by all parties involved!!
General Mills
March 29th, 2012
10:58 pm
They have the Chronic and best hydro in the US in Athens,GO DAWGS
Ole Big Dawg
March 29th, 2012
11:00 pm
Lets put the blame and accountability on folks that commit the act which is the playets not the coach
chuck
March 29th, 2012
11:02 pm
I’m an alumni and long time season ticket holder. UGA has gone way overboard in having drug tests right after Spring Break. We might as well drop the football program because we will never again be competitive.
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
March 29th, 2012
11:07 pm
@ Beast From The East: (9:31 pm post)
You are exactly correct but it seems that this particular blog is overloaded with FOOLS who don’t have a clue as to what is going on.
CMR wasn’t hired to ride herd 24/7 on almost 100 mostly teenagers nor should any sane person expect him to do so.
Fortunately the people that really matter don’t expect him to do so. UGA has much more stringent rules and requirements THAN ANY OTHER COLLEGE in the nation.
You either support the intent of these rules and regulations, you scream for more leniency from UGA or, if you are 100% FOOL with a single digit IQ, you blame CMR and want him fired.
CDAWG
March 29th, 2012
11:09 pm
I am really amazed and shocked at just how STUPID these players are. They have meetings with them continuously and they know what is at stake and they know that they could have had a legitimate shot at going pretty far but then they just sabotaged the 2012 season. Coach Richt go get some of those white boys from Boise they are in the bed by 9:00 up milking the cows by 5:00 and they don’t get in to trouble.
Mobile Dawg
March 29th, 2012
11:10 pm
Simple question for you Braniac. What was Mark Richt hired for?
GoForTwo
March 29th, 2012
11:11 pm
You won’t have any problem finding a seat in the student section this year. They may be afraid of being drug tested before entering the stadium.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
March 29th, 2012
11:20 pm
Mobile Dawg
People like Braniac dont get it
A good leader of any business is not going to put up with disrespect from his employees. Employees who do not care about the company and embarrass it by their actions or who do not do the job they were hired to do are fired under good leadership
Constantly putting up with the same garbage year in and year out leads to no success as we have seen now for years