Updated: Isaiah Crowell retains high-profile Atlanta attorney, heads to Alabama State
UPDATE: Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow confirms Isaiah Crowell’s transfer to FCS school. New story coming soon . . .
Isaiah Crowell is transferring to Alabama State University and the ousted Georgia running back has retained high-profile Atlanta criminal defense attorney Steve Sadow to represent him on weapons charges.
Crowell, a rising sophomore, was dismissed by the Bulldogs this past Friday. He faces two felony weapons charges and one misdemeanor charged after a 9-mm Luger handgun with an defaced serial number was found underneath the driver’s seat of the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis he was driving.
Reached by telephone Thursday, Sadow said he will be representing Crowell “pro bono,” which means he won’t be charging for his services. Sadow has represented such high-profile clients as the rapper T.I., and defended former Georgia basketball player Tony Cole on a rape charge, which was eventually dismissed.
Sadow said he reached out to Crowell via social media after reading reports of his arrest and seeing “some serious problems with the search” of Crowell’s vehicle that resulted in his arrest. Sadow said he met with Crowell this past Tuesday to discuss the case.
“My inclination based on reading the police report is to question the validity of the search,” Sadow said. “I’m hoping that somebody takes a real, close, careful look at this. The University of Georgia has already taken action, so whatever the prosecutor determines regarding an invalid or unlawful search, that’s not going to change Isaiah’s career at the University of Georgia. One way or another he’s certainly moved on.”
Sadow could not confirm or deny multiple unconfirmed reports that Crowell, the reigning AP SEC Freshman of the Year, is transferring to Alabama State University in Montgomery. UGA officials contacted by the AJC Thursday had no direct knowledge that is Crowell’s destination and no one from Alabama State has returned messages seeking confirmation. No one associated with Crowell has returned messages or phone calls.
“I do know his intention is to play football and his intention is to play football as soon as he possibly can,” Sadow said.
Sadow added that his only connection with Crowell is with his court case. “I’m not going to be his adviser,” he said.
The felony charges notwithstanding, Crowell would be immediately eligible at Alabama State since it is a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) school (formerly Div. I-AA). NCAA rules require a transfer to sit out one year when transferring from one Football Bowl Subdivision school to another.
It would be somewhat unusual for a player of Crowell’s caliber to transfer to an FCS school. Typically a high-profile athlete of his ilk would transfer to junior college for a year, then return to the FBS via another school. That was the route chosen by former Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger, who stood accused of a felony. Mettenberger transferred to Butler (Kansas) Community College and played one year before landing at LSU, where he’s expected to start this coming season.
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177 comments Add your comment
WUZZADAWG
July 5th, 2012
5:10 pm
This is a very sad stroy that has unfolded, but we have ro remember that is about IC and UGA and NOT about Al., Fl., or Auburn. They have their owm problems.
ramguy68
July 5th, 2012
5:19 pm
I am white and had a fat bellied cop search my car. He said that he found what he said looked to him was a remnants of a roach. It was part of a soft drink straw wrapper that I rolled up and threw in the ash tray. The drink was still in the cup holder. He also stated it looked like pot seeds on the floorboard. It was just little rocks. After I blew 0.00 on this little breathe analyzer, he said he was going to let me go. My cause for his probable cause? I wouldn’t do the sobriety tests. I told his I blew in his analyzer and that was all he was going to get. A month later he inappropriately touched a woman at a roadblock. Her husband caught him a few days later and beat the crap out of him. The man’s lawyer dug into this cop’s background and had been fired in Gwinnett County for the same behavior. This small city dropped the charges against the man. Don’t tell me about these cops always being on the side of right.
I dropped my fried twinkie
July 5th, 2012
5:24 pm
i got you babe…………….steve sadow atlanta attorney…………..doesn’t STATE WHERE HE ATTENDED LAW SCHOOL in any of the pages about him. Has to be a SMALL law School but he does a good job.
Libertarian Joe
July 5th, 2012
5:39 pm
First, I don’t give a crap about IC. Good riddance.
Love all the holier-than-thous on here who believe that a cop has a right to search your car because, well, he wants to. Apparently whatever the cop wants to do is OK because someone was out late (also of course because you have dreds and the fans don’t like you). Didn’t realize there was a national curfew. No matter that you weren’t drinking, had a valid DL, insurance and registration…the cop smelled something so he is perfectly justified in ransacking your car (BTW, he didn’t find a trace of what he smelled-wonder how strong the odor really was).
Dawg Pound adds:
CRY ME A RIVER!!!
When I get pulled over for speeding, the police always search my vehicle and ask me if there are any guns, drugs, weapons, or open containers of alcohol in the car. Amazingly, they do so when I’m wearing a suit and tie as well. Join the club, buddy! The police believe everyone is guilty of something no matter what you look like!
SERIOUSLY?? They ALWAYS search your vehicle when you get pulled for speeding and they have no probable cause to do so?? And you are OK with that and critical of people that don’t think that is OK? WTFE
Wow, you guys love the cops so much you think their judgement is infallible and you grant them unlimited powers?? Maybe you should actually read the Constitution sometime and hold authority accountable to it. Spoiler Alert: It doesn’t grant cops the power to do whatever they want with an ends-justify-the means approach to justice.
Texas Pete
July 5th, 2012
5:43 pm
This is how they do it in Auburn. Required viewing for all UGA athletes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrHuBuYjLZo&feature=youtu.be
Honest Ingine
July 5th, 2012
5:44 pm
You can take a boy out of the hood, but you can’t take the hood out of the boy…
Ted M
July 5th, 2012
5:44 pm
I’m with ya Libertarian Joe…way too many cops are bullies who don’t give damn about someones rights.
Ted M
July 5th, 2012
5:46 pm
I’m offended that Chip Towers thinks we don’t know what Pro Bono means.
Applicable TV/Movie Quote
July 5th, 2012
5:48 pm
(from tv show “Barney Miller”)
Harris: “There is no justice, inside or outside the courts…..Clarence Darrow”
Dietrich: “But upholding the law is everyone’s responsibility…..Dick Tracey’s Crimestoppers Handbook”
iWonder
July 5th, 2012
5:49 pm
If Tech students are so smart, why do they require a public statement asking them to lock their dorm room doors?
Raiderbeater
July 5th, 2012
5:57 pm
What a load of BS from the lawyer…..just needing a little face time and found a high profile arrest to get it with. Anyone who deals with legal issues knows the end game of this ambulance/paddy wagon chaser. Nothing in the news reports indicated faulty PC for the search…..the lawyer won;t get him off but will get first offender or a plea deal and pat himself on the back with the media like he did something….Crowell will go to Alabama St.
The End.
sheepdawg
July 5th, 2012
5:58 pm
ic wants to upgrade his educational opportunities. see, he’s already matured over this little incident
Raiderbeater
July 5th, 2012
6:00 pm
I’m sure Isaiah Crowell was just an oppressed black man that was harrassed by the cops….the weed smell was fake and the stolen gun (it was stolen….s/n removed) was planted!
Evil cops and poor Crowell!
Contractor
July 5th, 2012
6:05 pm
ClassicDawg,
You’re a moron. How are they abusing power when they found a concealed handgun with a scratched off serial number? If anything, they did their job. The gun wasn’t registered, meaning it was illegal to possess it. His lawyer can spin this screw up all he wants, but it still doesn’t take away the fact that he illegally possessed a gun. Add that with his failed drug test and I think it’s safe to say this ‘black’ athlete was right on par with the stigma they make for theirselves, not just the cops out to put the man down. Go help him suck his thumb, because he’ll need your support when he gets in trouble gain. As for Georgia, you’re doing them a disservice by being a fan an supporting illegal and law breaking actions. You need to move on as well.
hello?
July 5th, 2012
6:06 pm
i murdered, sorry my bad. i killed dogs, sorry my bad. i keep getting caught breaking the law, sorry my bad. always people screwing up and begging for a third, fourth, fifith chance and so on it goes……
RAMZAD
July 5th, 2012
6:07 pm
Football is god! This young man was found with a pistol hidden in his car. That in and of itself is not a problem, but that the serial number on the handgun was shaved off is a big problem. I suppose that Alabama is desperate enough to want UGA football trash. But, hey! Football is god.
cochran
July 5th, 2012
6:08 pm
of course the lawyer offers pro bono. if he wins, he’ll get a stake in the boy’s pro career no matter where/if he lands in one. 20% any one???
BobbyDawg
July 5th, 2012
6:09 pm
It sounded to me like the cop that pulled Crowell over was maybe from Knoxville or Gainesville or Auburn. GO DAWGS !
GSUgrad1991
July 5th, 2012
6:10 pm
No offense intended toward the institution, but prior to now, has anybody ever heard of Alabama State University? Perhaps Mr. Crowell mistakenly believes he’s going to the Crimson Tide…. (1) better choice, for my dollars, would be good ol Slippery Rock. (2) inquiring minds want to know, has Alabama State really tought this through and why would they accept tis guy?
CDAWG
July 5th, 2012
6:12 pm
ClassicDawg, I detest your remarks, “particularly blacks” I know PLENTY of white kids who have been in trouble with the police in Athens. If you look at the Red and Black you would see quite a few white kids on there that have been arrested. I think they should quit harrassing “mostly whites.”
You have to make this racist. The black community always comes to the aid of their own and blame it on racism. Ok let’s look at this, he had a GUN with a filed off SERIAL number….why? What if the police had not found it then he goes down the street and pulls it on someone? Wow his life and football career would really be over. This bump in the road may very well be a life lesson that saves his life. Quit making excuses and take some accountability.
andy griffith
July 5th, 2012
6:14 pm
ramguy68-my wife was handcuffed placed into the back of a g.s.p. car, driven into a p.d. station garage on a d.u.i. the g.s.p. guy tased my wife three times on her upper torso at that point. he was forced to retired after internal affairs got involved and discovered multiple complaints on the same officer. guess what? glynn county police just hired him. go figure…..ANDY GRIFFITH IS GONE..
Dawg-Gawn
July 5th, 2012
6:15 pm
@twinkie dropper: Emory University Law School – illegal search of vehicle – Crow consented to a personal body search but not a vehicle search – over zealous law enforcement officer.
The Masked Superstar
July 5th, 2012
6:16 pm
Alabama State better have a bail bondsman on speed dial…. Just saying….
SecFan
July 5th, 2012
6:17 pm
I don’t think Mr. Crowell wants any part of Mr. Saban.
wow
July 5th, 2012
6:18 pm
i had two comments not posted. gotta be politicly correct, always.
michael
July 5th, 2012
6:18 pm
i just want foosball to begin. anyone else??
curious
July 5th, 2012
6:21 pm
Anyone wonder what college Sadaw graduated from?
Sandi
July 5th, 2012
6:27 pm
IC is his own worst enemy…good riddance…here is hoping the door hits him in the butt as it clanks behind him….TG he is no longer linked to UGA
01HAWK
July 5th, 2012
6:28 pm
He will be in good hands with former 8 year NFL player Reggie Barlow as the head coach. Barlow has 4 other coaches on his staff that played in the NFL.
Old Dawg
July 5th, 2012
6:29 pm
Where did my comment go?
I am sure that IC will transfer to Alabama State for a year, then will end up at Auburn just like Cam Newton did after the laptop incident. Then IC will play against Georgia.
A. Bishop
July 5th, 2012
6:32 pm
14 GT I agree fully
01HAWK
July 5th, 2012
6:34 pm
He will play 2 years at BAMA STATE HORNETS then he will be a 1st round NFL pick.
GATA
July 5th, 2012
6:44 pm
2 words for the whole saga…
just damn
3d
July 5th, 2012
6:45 pm
He’ll end up driving a fork lift or loading boxes on a loading dock somewhere.
Former Prosecutor
July 5th, 2012
6:48 pm
Glad to see that IC is getting a second chance. I don’t agree with anyone carrying an unregistered weapon (non-violent crime) but I’ve seen many highly respected individuals make mistakes. I have not read the police report but if the search was illegal, then the case should be handled accordingly. Officers are well aware of what they can and can’t do. Pushing the envelope only makes the jobs of prosecutors more difficult.
For the record, Steven Sadow is always doing pro bono work, and he’s obviously well respected in the legal community. He attended Emory law school for those on here that are wondering.
I think Alabama State is a great school for IC to get back on track. There’s no pressure to win every game so more emphasis is placed on developing men as opposed to football players.
tell me again
July 5th, 2012
6:48 pm
The real question here is: WHY is the AJC still printing articles about Crowell when he is no longer at UGA???? Of what relevance is he to ANYTHING concerning UGA football at this point? Don’t you have ANYTHING BETTER to write about??? If you want to talk about his lawyer – go to the legal sites and discuss the situation. Who represents him, where he is going to and whether or not he is going to jail NO LONGER HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH GEORGIA! So now that CMR acted quickly to deal with the situation the AJC STILL WANTS TO HANG THIS AROUND OUR NECKS LIKE AN ALBATROSS!. This is why, at times, we call the AJC a “RAG” . C’mon guys – find something to write about that is relevant – earn your Flippin paychecks!
TeachAManToFish
July 5th, 2012
6:51 pm
I can’t believe all of you Crowell apologist. Gees louise, he had an opportunity that many would die for and he blew it. Not once but many times in one year. The only thing I hope is that I don’t cross his path in the future because it probably be at the end of a gun. He was a good football player not a good person.
Profiler
July 5th, 2012
6:57 pm
Those who want to throw the police under the bus for doing their job are crazy.
Are there occasional overzealous police? Of course, just as any occupation. But are they IC’s problem? NO!!!
If you knew the crap and danger they have to constantly put up with from our entitled and politically correct society, you would think otherwise.
jhp@aol.com
July 5th, 2012
7:00 pm
Good ridance , he could only handle the ball 2 – 3 plays then he was always hurt. Worthless , sorry , lazy , thank god he is gone .
hbcuclassics
July 5th, 2012
7:01 pm
http://www.hbcuclassics.com
Morehouse
July 5th, 2012
7:12 pm
Lets be clear here… @14 GT, there is no element in Georgia law that would allow for a search of a vehicle without consent or a search warrant..If the officer believes he has PC to search car without consent, He has obtain a seacrh warrant from a Magistrate. Im not a UGA or IC fan, just a ole collge linebacker who became a cop then attorney.. People would not believe how often bogus arrest like these are made. Cop has gained notoriety, had his reports all over the internet, radio and ESPN, hes about as happy as a gopher in soft dirt..IC, a knucklehead, who should have realized he was on thin ice, loses everything even if he is found not guilty…Not sure how this will play out, I think it all goes away..
Jamal
July 5th, 2012
7:23 pm
Hey Mohouse! You a freakin’ IDIOT! It OK. It’s yo culture.
crusher dawg
July 5th, 2012
7:34 pm
Just trying to get out of trouble. He needs to learn his lesson……….
UA15thscomin
July 5th, 2012
8:07 pm
For All You Baby Boomers, typically Parties or night club events end around the 2-3am time frame. which doesn’t justify him being puuled over, and i am sure they weren’t smelling marijuana while he was passing by. which comes to the pistol.. im sure after he heard what happened to those auburn players, gettin a weapon was a must . I don’t blame him for having a pistol, but do it legally. and for all you people sayin that this wont be a lesson learned you are stupid. But hey Georgia was only gonna win 8 games anyway, but with Crowell Gone Make that 6 games ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!
dawgs01
July 5th, 2012
8:20 pm
4 star recruit who is now a redshirt sophomer brandon burrows seeking transfer fromGeorgia and it was granted to him today. Burrows was recruited to play inside linebacker for Georgia and wants to transfer to a 4-3 defense to play defensive end. This leaves 74 scholarship athletes left at Georgia with 5 of those being walk ons with awarded scholarships. So we got 69 guys who were recruited to play for UGA left on the team. Teams on probation have more scholarship players than we do. I figure one or two more will transfer or get kicked off the team by kickoff. Roster management is definitely a problem with this coaching staff. It is getting to the point where our scout team is gonna be all walk ons and not recruits which hurts the team bc their weekly competition is not your typical SEC athlete.
hbcuclassics
July 5th, 2012
8:21 pm
Alabama State Hornets
Head Coach: Reggie Barlow, 10yr. NFL veteran
Member: Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC)
Former SWAC players: Walter Payton, Jerry Rice,
Doug Williams, Buck Buchanan, Michael Strahan
http://www.hbcuclassics.com
01HAWK
July 5th, 2012
8:23 pm
GSUgrad1991
July 5th, 2012
6:10 pm
No offense intended toward the institution, but prior to now, has anybody ever heard of Alabama State University?
Where have you been………………………..Under a ROCK ?
BAMA STATE is a well known University in Montgomery and all over the world.
I dropped my fried twinkie
July 5th, 2012
8:24 pm
01HAWK
July 5th, 2012
6:34 pm
He will play 2 years at BAMA STATE HORNETS then he will be a 1st round NFL pick.
__________________________________________
H0W Much are willing to BET on that?
What ODDS are you willing to GIVE since you are so SURE?
I dropped my fried twinkie
July 5th, 2012
8:25 pm
HBCU?…….. Habitual Black Convicts Unite?
dawgs01
July 5th, 2012
8:26 pm
Are we gonna be able to field a team another transfer today a four star defensive end who was recruited to play inside lb for us wants to transfer to a team running the four three so he can play defensive end. Redshirt soph. brandon burrows