UPDATED: Richt mum but suspensions still expected for Rambo, Ogletree
ATHENS — Georgia coach Mark Richt remained tight-lipped about the availability of safety Bacarri Rambo and linebacker Alec Ogletree for Saturday’s season opener against Buffalo.
It has been reported since March that the two all-star defenders are suspended for the first four games following a second violation of the UGA athletic association’s marijuana-use policy. However, neither Richt nor any UGA officials have confirmed those reports to date.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs listed both players as starters in the depth chart for the first game, which was released before Tuesday’s weekly news conference. However, Richt retreated into evasive mode when asked what he expected to see from those players during Saturday’s game.
“I just think we’ll have to wait and see,” he said coyly. “Time will tell.”
Alan Ingram, Rambo’s head coach at Seminole County High in Donalsonville, said in no uncertain terms back in March that Rambo told him he was going to be suspended for the first four games of the season after he and other UGA players allegedly failed surprise drug tests shortly after spring break. Ingram said Rambo told him it was his second violation of UGA’s marijuana-use policy for student-athletes, which calls for a suspension of 30 percent of competition dates and said that Ogletree was in the same situation. In the case of football players, that means four games.
Reached by telephone on Tuesday at Seminole County High, Ingram said he has no reason to believe anything has changed.
“I’ve seen Bacarri on several occasions since then and we honestly haven’t spoken about it,” said Ingram, a high school coach for 41 years. “I suppose he’s just going on with everything and will see what happens. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t know anything more than I do. Of course, they may have told him not to talk to me about it. I just don’t know.”
Ingram said it’s possible he could be left out of the loop. So far he has been the only person to speak on the record about the situation. He said Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo came down and met with him shortly after Rambo’s news broke in March.
“Mike came down here a few days later and we discussed it,” In gram said. They didn’t have a problem with [Ingram talking]. I certainly didn’t have a problem with it. I did what the kid asked me to do. I’ve been around long enough that there’s not much that can hurt me anyway.”
Neither player has been made available for interviews since that information came to light six months ago. There have been indications that the Bulldogs, at this point, are trying to use the uncertainty as a strategic advantage against their opponents.
Richt admitted that Georgia has modified its disciplinary policies, which previously included an announcement beforehand that a player was being suspended from play.
” I don’t know if there’s anything etched in stone, but we are handing it a little bit different this year,” Richt said. “I don’t know if I can even say why. But we are definitely handling it just a little bit different.”
Regardless of all the rhetoric, it’s clear that Georgia is expecting to have to shuffle its defensive lineup early in the season. The Bulldogs already know they’re going to be without Sanders Commings, who’s two-game suspension for a domestic violence arrest was announced in February. Starting outside linebacker Chase Vasser is also out two games due to a May arrest for DUI. Converted receiver Malcolm Mitchell was listed as the starter at Comming’s boundary cornerback position and Ramik Wilson is listed as the starter at Vasser’s Sam linebacker spot.
It’s anticipated that senior Christian Robinson will get the call at Ogletree’s Mo linebacker position. Former walkon Connor Norman is listed as Rambo’s backup at free safety or the Bulldogs could move strong safety Shawn Williams to free and start Corey Moore at the strong safety. Clearly, the defense is expecting to make adjustments.
“These guys will be out for a while, but it won’t be a problem because whenever they come back we’ll be ready to play and we’ll have more depth,” said Robinson, who is listed as the backup for Ogletree at “Mo” inside linebacker. “They just tell everybody to be ready; you never know where you could be [playing]. I might be playing cornerback. Who knows?”
Ingram certainly isn’t expecting to see Rambo play early this season. But he said he believes the experience will ultimately be good for his former pupil.
“Bacarri’s a grown man now and he’s just going to take it,” Ingram said. “Whatever comes down is what’s going to happen. He wants to do some big things at Georgia, whether it’s seven or eight ballgames or 10 or 12, whatever. That’s the way he’s looking at it and that’s the way he sees it.”
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214 comments Add your comment
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
1:05 pm
Skipping….I’m from Georgia so I know all about UGA fans….and they are the worst ever.
UGA fans can never accept defeat. As I say, “you never actually beat UGA….they just somehow failed to beat you.”
Mark (another one)
August 28th, 2012
1:13 pm
Rambo’s first suspension was for a rules violation, not drugs. He may have told Ingram that this was going to be a four game suspension, assuming that the last suspension counted for his first, but rules violations and drug/honor code violations are different. I’m hoping this is a first offense suspension and he only misses Buffulo.
As for comparing this to other schools, I frankly don’t care. No slam on other schools, but I want UGA to be clean and represent the school well. If another school wants to look the other way when a player uses drugs, or has a different level of punishment for the same offense, that’s not my issue. I happen to think all of the SEC coaches (now that Petrino’s gone) are men of character doing the best they can for their schools and players. I also don’t know the details of each situation so I don’t think its fair to try to substitute my judgment.
I want the player that attend UGA to grow into successful young men later in life, and instilling some discipline will help. If they make the NFL, great. But a scholarship to college should aid these men with their futures off the field as well. Go meet some of them after the glory and talk to them about their experiences. Most learn to work under presssure, handle adversity, work within a team construct, and many learn to lead. They also learn that there are multiple versions of every story that gets told.
Top Row Dawg
August 28th, 2012
1:17 pm
Here you go HUGE UT HILLBILLY(At least we know what HUH means now), 2nd link to show UT embarrassingly lost money.
http://www.wkrn.com/story/19389142/university-of-tennessee-athletics-loses-millions
Can we move on to discussion about relevant football programs on the #6 team in America blog now?
Tdawg
August 28th, 2012
1:18 pm
My question is why is this even in the AJC? Rambo’s retarted ole highschool coach ain’t told us anything we haven’t already heard. I guess Chip had to put something in the paper and what better way to do it than to rehash something we already knew.
dawgfan
August 28th, 2012
1:21 pm
I have no idea what’s going to happen but after several media outlets, inclucing the AJC, have bascially acted like these suspensions are a done deal I bet they are crapping their pants over this. Imagine the egg on their faces if nothing comes of this. Once again the media might get caught trying to make the news instead of just reporting it.
Thanks.
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
1:25 pm
Top Row…you can go on and on about the link. I’ve already answered that.
Tdawg
August 28th, 2012
1:26 pm
Skipping yea I just love it when we rub our nut sacks all over passed out drunks and how we turn the water hoses on visiting fans and how we go around killing trees and. Say what? What do you mean that wasn’t UGA fan’s that did those things? It was who? Oh well never mind. Skipping I don’t care where you were born and where you lived most of your life. One thing for sure is that you are no dawg fan and never has been. Go find yourself some passed man and do your thing.
Say What??
August 28th, 2012
1:27 pm
@ Huh? – You are absolutely right… Georgia fans – we are awful.. We are the worst… I mean, I don’t know how you can stand hanging out on a Georgia blog… I wouldn’t be surprised if you left and never came back… That would show us!…Please? Pretty please??
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
1:27 pm
and Top Dawg…I’m not a UT fan. Nice try.
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
1:30 pm
Say What?? Nah…it’s too much fun. Also, this isn’t a Georgia blog. The AJC is a public newspaper website. Why don’t you plunk out the $20 bucks and go join a REAL UGA blog.
WDE
August 28th, 2012
1:33 pm
@huh we notice you don’t declare who your a fan of…but it doesn’t matter who your team is , we are the Bull Dog Nation and you sir are not! Go Dogs!
Say What??
August 28th, 2012
1:34 pm
Another thing while I am thinking about it… I don’t think anyone on this blog has taken issue with the fact that we do have an easier schedule this year than most. I don’t recall any Georgia fan saying that our strength of schedule is hard. That being said, the Confernece schedule is set by the SEC. So taking shots at us because we are not playing Alabama or LSU, or that Florida and Tennessee are down this year makes no sense. Its just the way it is…
USC = SOUTHERN CAL
August 28th, 2012
1:37 pm
USC = 1969 ACC TITLE-LOLOLOL
Duh?
August 28th, 2012
1:38 pm
Actuall, Huh, I do believe this is a UGA blog because the only way to get to it is through the UGA section of the AJC. Remember? That’s how you got here… or is this the first time your Mommy has let you use the computer?
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
1:39 pm
WDE…nice observation.
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
1:41 pm
Say What?? I didn’t say that UGA had any control of their SEC schedule. I’m simply saying that you can’t be so sensitive when others point out that your schedule is easy.
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
1:41 pm
Duh? WRONG…I got to this site via an article that was posted at another website.
Top Row Dawg
August 28th, 2012
1:48 pm
Well if playing 4 of the all time teams with most wins (UT/UF/AU/GT) is easy, then anyone who thinks the schedule is easy is just not a student of the history of NCAA football.
Plus if we draw UA or LSU in the SECCG, along with USC in the BCS game, that would be 6 of the top 16 programs with most wins in NCAA history. I posted weeks ago that UGA is considered #2 in ALL TIME strength of schedule behind only Michigan. Here is that link again….
http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/rankings/all_time_team_sched_rankings.php
So, unless you Auburn, Vol, Gator, Tech fans want to admit your teams stink this year, quit whining about the schedule. You Bama fans will get your shot in the SECCG – careful what you ask for.
jsmooth
August 28th, 2012
1:48 pm
You can only win or lose the schedule you have. Why all the whining?? USc is not relelvant and never has been. So, they can occasionally put together two back to back seasons of more wins than losses. When you guys win something big or who knows, a MNC, may be we can talk. Congrats to your baseball team, a great program and one of envy!!
Say What??
August 28th, 2012
1:50 pm
Actually, I wasn’t really clear on my post… That was not specifically aimed at you – just those who come on here an state that UGA should be ashamed of their conference schedule… We had nothing to do with it.
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
1:51 pm
Top Dawg…What difference does it make how many wins those teams have in their history? UT/UF/AU/GT are not good NOW. That’s a real stretch to try to apoligize for your schedule.
WDE
August 28th, 2012
1:52 pm
@huh you made a good point on the NCAA rules aren’t fair, they aren’t and I don’t see them getting any better anytime soon….the schedule issue kills me , we play Auburn, UT and UF and I’m pretty sure that all 3 will be better this year than they ended up last year, so all that “soft” schedule talk is just talk..
JOE
August 28th, 2012
1:53 pm
Anyone who thinks this will effect their draft status is foolish. Just as foolish as our discipline policies. Any person who doesn’t realize that the majority of people in this country do, or have, tried weed is naive. We are at a point when the majority of REASONABLE individuals in this country recognize that marijuana is, in fact, less harmful than alcohol. The NFL does not care!!!! IF it was something harder I’m sure they’d be concerned but it’s not!!!
The sad thing is that our administration and coaches don’t recognize that and therefore levy penalties that are MUCH HARSHER than our competition. It’s not that the other schools are lax, it’s that we are way behind the times. Sad.
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
1:56 pm
Say What?? I appreciate the clarification. I think most people realize that UGA had nothing to do with their conference schedule. Those that actually think that aren’t worth your time.
I have just talked to a lot of UGA fans who are really sensitive about anybody saying anything about UGA’s schedule. It is what it is, but people are going to talk about it.
dwagdawg
August 28th, 2012
1:57 pm
“I bet they are crapping their pants over this”
Once again dawgfan shows his obsession with all things butt-related.
Thanks
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
1:58 pm
WDE…those other teams might be better, but UGA will be to. Nobody fears AU, UT or FL.
Dawg-Gawn
August 28th, 2012
1:59 pm
Coach Ingram needs to apologize to UGA for opening his mouth when it’s not his business…. when a UGA coach came to visit after the first comment, anyone with any intelligence should be able to GET the picture. Also a no comment would have been sufficient for this article too!
“He who thinks by the inch and talks by the yard deserves to be kicked by the foot”
“Fan-Up”
“Russ 4 Official Uga IX”
“Our Team, Our Time, No Regrets”
Believe in the “G”
Carolina on yo minds!!!!
August 28th, 2012
2:01 pm
Other than us what real Powerhouse does Jawja play? Give me break the puppies have a weak schedule to match their weak team!!!!
dawgfan
August 28th, 2012
2:09 pm
Huh? is obviously a scared little Techie without any stones to identify himself as such. His football program is a total joke. He knows it. UGA owns his soul. His arguments are tired and cliched. Just do what I do, ignore him and trash the absolute laughing stock that he’s too afraid to admit that he roots for, Georgia Tech.
True story.
kingdaddy
August 28th, 2012
2:14 pm
Huh?
I don’t think S.C. wants to play Aub. or Fla., might make lil stevie cry too hard. He might hurt something…
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
2:14 pm
dawgfan…not a GT fan. You can think that all you want. I am a UK fan.
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
2:16 pm
kingdaddy…and UGA didn’t want to play Bama. Shameful….UGA should be proud and want to play the best.
I dropped my fried twinkie
August 28th, 2012
2:17 pm
Did I read some people post things/questions/statements like this about breaking the law?
Why do these kids think they can get away with it?
—————————————–NFL, NBA, MLB players do illegal drugs all the time and get way with it. Bill Clinton said he did it and got elected. Marion Berry did it lost his job and still got reelected. Vick did it all the time and got a $100 million dollar contract. Life has taught these kids that people can get away with anything under certain circumstance. O.J. Simpson & Casey Anthony come to mind.
Why do they keep making the same mistake?
————————–Again look at your elected officials, teachers, cops & pro athletes. They do it and still make millions. It is the regular JOE’S that really lose their jobs and lives but these kids have been SPECIAL since little league and think they are above the law.
Don’t they know it could cost them their future?
—————–Mike Vick, Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, George Bush, Bill Clinton, Victor Hill and more than you can name that get it all back and then some.
Why did the coach say anything that could get the kid in trouble?
————-Maybe the kid expressed that he need guidance and the coach was trying to help. Maybe Rambo needs to go to NA and get Counceling but IF nobody knew he would keep doing wrong. Maybe if RICHT really did care he would have the kid get some real HELP and not just a weekend or 2 off from playing ball.
We should go easy on them it is no big deal.
Keep acting like these issues don’t matter. Look at WHO is running the world. It ain’t a PRO Athlete. It is CHINA and the Educated. By the Educated I don’t mean some freaking Art History, Housing or Psychology degree holder either.
Carolina on yo minds!!!!
August 28th, 2012
2:18 pm
a UK fan talking trash?!? You need to win some championships before you’re at the level of the Cocks, Bamma, and LSU!!!!
kingdaddy
August 28th, 2012
2:19 pm
Carolina
One 11 win season in your history? Never won anything in SEC except one SECe when everybody was down, lol. Y’all ain’t chit…
Tdawg
August 28th, 2012
2:20 pm
Carolina yea we have a week schedule. I gonna love it when we are playing for the conference championship and your winnie little arse cocks are gonna be sitting at home crying your eyes out. The conference games are rotated. Where was your pathetic mouth when UGA was playing Alabama, LSU and Auburn and Carolina was stinking the place up? Just shut up and take your medicine like a man. He!! you are already making excuses.
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
2:21 pm
kindaddy….when has UGA won a NC? on yeah…1981. I was 5. What does it matter what teams have done in the past? SC has beaten UGA two years in a row. That’s the here and now.
Carolina - BBWWWAAAHHAHAHAH
August 28th, 2012
2:21 pm
5 Bowl Wins – ALL TIME
BBUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAAHHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAH
Carolina - BBWWWAAAHHAHAHAH
August 28th, 2012
2:23 pm
2 wins in a row………
Does that erase 16-46-2 against UGA
I THINK NOT
BBUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAAHHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAH
Top Row Dawg
August 28th, 2012
2:23 pm
UK? LOL wait for the basketball Blog. Now that you’ve beat UT for first time in 25YEARS, you think you can blog football? That really is funny. Oh the days of old Stoll Field and George Blanda.
Carolina - BBWWWAAAHHAHAHAH
August 28th, 2012
2:24 pm
Who’s the flagship school of your state?
vs. Clemson 40-65-4
BBUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAAHHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHBBUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAAHHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAH
kingdaddy
August 28th, 2012
2:24 pm
Huh?
make sense. We don’t mind playing Bama. Hope we make it back to the SEC-CG to play LSU or Bama. Either one’s fine. UGAs not crying about playing the SECw, that would be South Carolina doing all the crying about that, not UGA…
Carolina - BBWWWAAAHHAHAHAH
August 28th, 2012
2:25 pm
17-34-4 against North Carolina
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????
BBUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAAHHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHBBUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAAHHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAH
Carolina - BBWWWAAAHHAHAHAH
August 28th, 2012
2:25 pm
ZERO SEC CHAMPIONSHIPS
chirp….chirp….chirp
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
2:27 pm
Top Row…just because we suck in football, doesn’t mean I can’t point out the FACTS. I can only comment if I happen to be a fan of a top 10 team?
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
2:29 pm
kingdaddy…you might now have minded playing Bama…but a bunch of your Dawg brethren did. Hell, even Bill King said that he was glad that Bama was off the schedule.
Carolina - BBWWWAAAHHAHAHAH
August 28th, 2012
2:29 pm
.506 all time record – 5 bowl wins
Vanderbilt = .496 – 2 bowl wins
Kentucky = .503 – 8 bowl wins
Basically the same
BBUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAAHHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHBBUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAAHHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHBBUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAAHHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHBBUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAAHHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHBBUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAAHHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHBBUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAAHHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHBBUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAAHHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHBBUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAAHHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAH
kingdaddy
August 28th, 2012
2:30 pm
Huh?
Lamecrock fan…
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
2:30 pm
AND it’s easy to say you don’t mind playing the SECw when you really don’t. Play Bama, ARk and LSU then get back with me.
Huh?
August 28th, 2012
2:31 pm
kingdaddy…do you even READ the posts? I’ve already said I’m a UK fan.