Sanders Commings: ‘Missing games probably easiest part’
Having defensive back Sanders Commings to play either cornerback or safety is a big deal for Georgia's defense. (UGA photo by Steven Colquitt)
ATHENS — Georgia senior cornerback Sanders Commings, his two-game suspension served, has been cleared to play in Saturday’s game against Florida Atlantic. A two-year starter at boundary corner, Commings was listed Tuesday as the the backup to Malcolm Mitchell at that position. He could play some at safety.
But Commings’ assignments in his first game back was the not primary topic of conversation as the Augusta native spoke to media for the first time since his late January arrest for domestic battery. Commings spoke candidly about how much it hurt having his previously spotless reputation sullied and being unable to compete with his teammates.
“That was the biggest punishment,” Commings said, “what I had to go through off the field, what I had to put my family through, the university through, all of that. Missing the games, that was probably the easiest part of the punishment.”
Commings said he actually appealed his two-game suspension but had “waited too late.” The athletic department, he said, didn’t want it to look as though he was being reinstated “to ensure a win against Missouri.”
Junior outside linebacker Chase Vasser also returns this week from a two-game suspension for a May DUI arrest. UGA said he’ll be available for interviews after practice Tuesday evening.
Commings was accused of striking a woman with whom he’d had a long-term relationship during a late-night argument in downtown Athens on Jan. 21. Commings eventually plead guilty to simple battery and disorderly conduct and was sentenced to a year of probation and counseling.
Georgia coach Mark Richt was asked to about the decision to suspend Commings two games.
“Well, I’ll just say that I think Sanders, after listening to everything and hearing everything, I felt like he did deserve to stay on the team,” Richt said. “He needed to be disciplined for what he did. The amount of time that was spent was appropriate. It’s one thing to miss a game. That hurts them and they don’t like that. But part of the punishment is also what you have to live with as a person because of all the attention that it gets. You’ve got to look your parents in the eye, you’ve got to look your teammates and coaches in the eye, you’ve got to go to class. I mean, there’s a lot of embarrassment to what happens when everything comes to light and is talked about over and over and over.
“He certainly didn’t behave as he should and he’s paid his debt to society, he’s paid his debt to the program, in my opinion, and I’m glad he’s handled everything the way he’s handled it. I think he’ll move on and be a real positive person and a positive teammate.”
Following are some of Commings’ other comments from his first interview opportunity since his arrest:
Q: How have the last few months been?
“They’ve been tough. At the same time I’ve been patiently waiting, practicing, making sure I’m ready when I finally got to come back.
Q: What was worst thing about it?
“The toughest part was probably watching the Missouri game. Our guys were so pumped up. It was an environment you want to play in, a hostile environment. But I was glad we got the win.”
Q: Were you relieved that Georgia won?
“I was. I’d have pretty down if we would’ve lost. I could’ve contributed and helped us win.”
Q: Where did you watch game and with whom?
“I was here, watching at home. I watched it Jeremy Longo. He came into town and watched it with me.”
Q: What do you take away from this situation?
“It was pretty tough. But it’s been a learning experience. . . . I’ve learned that I need to put myself around people who bring the best out of me. That’s about it.
Q: How will you be incorporated back into the defense?
“I’ll be bouncing around from safety to boundary to everywhere really. Wherever I can help the team.”
Q: Have you ever looked more forward to a Tuesday practice?
“I was looking forward to yesterday’s practice and it was basically a walk-through.”
Q: Were you concerned that you may be dismissed from the team?
“No, I wasn’t worried [about being able to return] because I’ve stayed out of trouble since I’ve been here and, you know, the coaches know the story behind what happened. So I wasn’t really worried about that.”
Q: What was your initial reaction to hearing a two-game suspension?
“I was surprised because, like I said, of what really happened. But anytime a player is arrested for anything there has to be a suspension.”
Q: Did you appeal your suspension?
“I did. But I waited too late to appeal it.”
Q: When did you appeal it?
“A couple of weeks ago.”
Q: Could it have been reduced?
“It was a possibility. There was a chance. But we didn’t want it to seem like I was coming back just so we could win.”
Q: What do you mean “too late?”
“If they had flipped it at the last second it would have been like I was just coming back to ensure the win against Missouri, rather than if I had done it months ago, back in the summer. That would’ve been different.”
Q: When did you find out exactly you wouldn’t be traveling to Missouri?
“Wednesday or a Thursday, I can’t remember exactly.”
Q: Has this affected your relationship with Coach Richt?
“He definitely forgave me way back. We’ve been close ever since the situation. So the situation is over and done with and I’m just looking forward.”
Q: How do you believe it will affect the team going forward?
“Really I just think we have more depth now because the other guys stepped in and played and they played well. Even if all of us were playing, maybe we would have done a little better because we were more experienced than some of the guys that got to play, but those guys played lights out.”
Q: Do you feel like you have to be exceptionally impressive since you lost playing time?
“No. I’m just anxious more than anything. I’m not really trying to go out there and show off. I’m just trying to do what I’ve been doing since I’ve been here and that’s work hard and practice and execute on Saturdays.
Q: Will you play corner or safety?
“I’m working both right now in practice. I’m not sure how it will work.”
Q: Could you have refused interviews today?
“I could have but you can’t run forever. Might as well get over with.”
Q: Do you think you’re game ready?
“I feel pretty prepared. Our coaches do a great job of making sure everybody’s prepared. So I don’t feel any less prepared than if I had played the last two games.”
Q: How did your parents react?
“They backed me. They told me just learn from this and move forward. When you get back on the field, make sure everybody knows it.”
MORE ON GEORGIA FOOTBALL
- A look at Georgia’s next opponent — Florida Atlantic
- Missouri’s Sheldon Richardson apologizes to Richt, Bulldogs
- Notebook: Bulldogs eager to get back suspended teammates
- ESPN2 picks up Vandy game for 7:45 p.m. kickoff
- Notebook: Offense, defense or both for Malcolm Mitchell?
- Accolades pour in for Jarvis Jones following Missouri performance
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153 comments Add your comment
Neutral
September 11th, 2012
7:39 pm
@GoDawgs1980
Shhhhhhhhh……..he is still in the bathroom (big date night for the Boob)!!!
GoDawgs1980
September 11th, 2012
7:39 pm
This is great news for Georgia fans. I agree that he could be used best at safety right now, but honestly, HOW MUCH DEPTH DO WE HAVE! No way we fade in the fourth this year. These guys are hungry! GO DAWGS!!
GTBob
September 11th, 2012
7:41 pm
I know I am gonna get nowhere with you, because you obviously don’t appreciate when people are honest.
Bobby Petrino was pretty honest after his recent trouble. Do you think he is a classy guy?
GoDawgs1980
September 11th, 2012
7:43 pm
Hey guys, what do you call gt at the end of UGA’s schedule?
A bye week!
Neutral
September 11th, 2012
7:43 pm
Yes indeed…..we have depth this year at every position with the exception of the OL.
Eaassyy
September 11th, 2012
7:43 pm
Still talking about IC from the Florida game last year? Get over it Bobo. Does CMR owe you a personal apology for internet rumors; none of which can be proven? How about the NCAA actually finding Tech guilty for illegal benefits? Aren’t yall currently on probation and had to give up your crappy ACC title? How about the pending murder investigation of Crittenton?
Get off your high horse.
HunkerDownDawg
September 11th, 2012
7:44 pm
@Chip Towers… I’ll be honest with you, I enjoy your pieces and follow them relatively closely. Unfortunately I will probably have to stop because I am sick of scrolling down to read Dawg followers comments and seeing GTBob’s outrageous rants and slander. It’s sad that this guy has no life other than the AJC UGA sports blogs. I’ve tried to ignore him but its tough when he is on here for EVERY SINGLE POST, causing trouble and annoying readers. I really feel sorry for your family and friends GTBob because most of the time, people like you are the same no matter where you go.
GoDawgs1980
September 11th, 2012
7:45 pm
We have depth on the line. It just needs to be grown a bit more. I’m sure by the end of the year, when thins really heat up, our coaches will have bolstered the line a bit. I just hope we don’t get hurt before then.
GTBob
September 11th, 2012
7:47 pm
How about the NCAA actually finding Tech guilty for illegal benefits?
You may want to read the NCAA report more closely.
GoDawgs1980
September 11th, 2012
7:47 pm
*things
GTBob
September 11th, 2012
7:49 pm
GTBob’s outrageous rants and slander
What have I posted that is outrageous or slanderous? I said that I wouldn’t like it if my teammate said what he said. Sorry my opinion differs from yours.
GoDawgs1980
September 11th, 2012
7:49 pm
gtbob…we can read. you are the only guy on here who seems to have problems reading and understanding concepts. did you fail the “dick and jane” books gtbob? it’s ok…we all know you are a lonely imbecile.
Neutral
September 11th, 2012
7:50 pm
Hey Bob, any news on the Former GT basketball player accused of murder? What about the former coach accused of sexual assault? Any new NCAA violations for cheating and obstruction of NCAA investigations? You guys have all the excitement in Atlanta…..we just have boring crimes like DUIs and underage drinking…..speaking of that, what happened to the GT player arrested in Athens? Dang, so many questions and so little time!!!!
kral
September 11th, 2012
7:55 pm
good to see judge bob here tonight..the height of classy without the cl
GTBob
September 11th, 2012
7:56 pm
Neutral, I usually don’t get into players, coaches, and athletic directors that have already left the schools. It would be really unfair to UGA fans if I were allowed that kind of ammunition.
GoDawgs1980
September 11th, 2012
7:56 pm
What do you guys think about Hall? Man! That kid goes out to hit people! AND HE PLAYS OFFENSE!!! I am so proud of this kid! He is PERFECT at the position!
BigDawg
September 11th, 2012
7:57 pm
GTBob, enjoy the rest of your night blogging here. Ahhh, jealousy! You are “funny” to say the least and maybe even “special”
GT Fan
September 11th, 2012
7:58 pm
@ Bob,
Please get off the UGa blogs. You are an embarrassment to all GT grads and you are constantly making a fool out of yourself. I don’t think you realize how stupid your responses sound. I pray you are just a fan and not a Tech grad!
Just Saying
September 11th, 2012
8:01 pm
@GT Fan
You are soooooo correct, but please don’t chase off our buddy “Bob”. Trading insults with him is like shooting down an unarmed man!!!
GoDawgs1980
September 11th, 2012
8:01 pm
gtbob, seriously dude. go away. you don’t belong here. you really don’t belong anywhere. you guys are really good at math right? why don’t you take a 30 foot rope, secure it to a 50 foot building’s roof, tie the other end to your neck, and jump. the world will be a better place without you…and so will your mom… quit being a burden on your mom… she complains to me every night about how you sit in that basement all day playing online games and eating junk food.
GTBob
September 11th, 2012
8:03 pm
I pray you are just a fan and not a Tech grad!
Sorry, I am a full fledged alumni. And if you don’t like reading my posts there are plenty of other blogs for you to read.
GTBob
September 11th, 2012
8:05 pm
why don’t you take a 30 foot rope, secure it to a 50 foot building’s roof, tie the other end to your neck, and jump. the world will be a better place without you
Now now. Would Mark Richt approve of this statement?
HunkerDownDawg
September 11th, 2012
8:06 pm
@GTBob… I have read a lot of your posts over the past few weeks and I have to say, the majority of what you post is true and holds some relevance, however… Just because it’s true doesn’t mean you have to continue to rub it in someone’s face! I have also seen you post some slanderous material as well, hence my previous post directed towards Chip. I guess I just have trouble understanding how someone could get so much pleasure and joy out of harrassing others. Do you not have anything better to do man?
Just Saying
September 11th, 2012
8:06 pm
But he will be missed by his blow-up doll!!!!
GoDawgs1980
September 11th, 2012
8:07 pm
gtbob, I really don’t care if he would. I am here for your mom! SHE WANTS YOU TO STOP BOB! SHE CRIES IN MY ARMS EVERY NIGHT!
GoDawgs1980
September 11th, 2012
8:08 pm
Just Saying, you have me rolling man!
Just Saying
September 11th, 2012
8:18 pm
I need clarity on GT Bob’s 8:03 post. Is he apologizing for, or regretting his GT affiliation when he said, “sorry, I’m a full fledged alumni”??? It’s OK Bob…..We still love you and I feel your pain. Bummer how scarred you really are and you have an incredible burden to carry for the rest of your life.
GTBob
September 11th, 2012
8:19 pm
I guess I just have trouble understanding how someone could get so much pleasure and joy out of harrassing others.
I have never harassed anyone. I just give opinions that UGA fans usually disagree with and are very hostile about.
CHDawg
September 11th, 2012
8:21 pm
Just ignore him boys! I corrected him yesterday, politely pointing out his mistakes, and he continues with his libelous and unproven accusations. You can’t deal with dishonesty out of trolls like him.
GTBob
September 11th, 2012
8:23 pm
I need clarity on GT Bob’s 8:03 post. Is he apologizing for, or regretting his GT affiliation when he said, “sorry, I’m a full fledged alumni”???
I was saying sorry to the fake GT Fan whose prayers I had to shoot down. I never like to be the bearer of bad news.
DollarDawg
September 11th, 2012
8:24 pm
You guys do know that ‘GTBob’ is a fictitious person who is used to keep the blogs going and increase the hit count don’t you? Stop responding, stick to the subject at hand (UGA football is what really matters anyway) and you will be amazed at how fast that name goes away.
GTBob
September 11th, 2012
8:24 pm
You can’t deal with dishonesty out of trolls like him.
What was I dishonest about?
GoDawgs1980
September 11th, 2012
8:25 pm
no bob, you dissagree about opinions. your opinions are all of the following:
ignorant
stupid
misguided
if you have any questions to what these words mean bob, I am here for you. I know they are big words for your little brain, but damnit, I’m going to get you through puberty bob!
DollarDawg
September 11th, 2012
8:25 pm
Yo CH, good to see your name again! How satisfied are you with Malcome’s progress so far?
HunkerDownDawg
September 11th, 2012
8:27 pm
GTBob… No, you harrass people with facts and information that is already known. UGA fans know about the suspensions and schedule this year, we know that at times, the coaching is not great and that maybe they should be a little tougher on the players. All of this stuff is already known by any legitimate Dawg fan or alumni. Why rub it in our face and poke fun at the fact? Because it gives you pleasure right?? That’s sad Bob. I wish I could meet you to see the kind of person you are away from your keyboard.
Just Saying
September 11th, 2012
8:27 pm
OK guys……back to football. I think one of the greatest rewards of having Vasser and “Tree” back will be that we can rest Jarvis a whole lot more. Just imagine how good he will be if he doesn’t have to be in the game for every defensive play.
CHDawg
September 11th, 2012
8:27 pm
The thing I love about 19 is he has a real nose for the ball and being in a place to make the play. My one gripe would be his ball skills. If he had caught all of the interceptions that he got his hands on, I think he would have more than twice as many as he has. Great player and thrilled he is back.
GoDawgs1980
September 11th, 2012
8:29 pm
Man you aren’t kidding Just Saying. That guy (Jarvis) is AMAZING, but it’s not like we don’t have a tremendous amount of talent behind him! Man we are stacked at LB! Great job recruiting by UGA and Grantham!
GoDawgs1980
September 11th, 2012
8:33 pm
CHDawg, I bet he catches a few more this year! He seems ready to roll! I do like the idea of putting him second string though. For one, it’s great game experience for Mitchell and he will need it later, for another, it’s a great way to get Sanders back into the gameflow. I think they both will get about equal playing time this Sat.
I’m really looking forward to this one guys! I’ll be there watching Russ become an UGA (although he has been an UGA to many of us fans for a while now)!!!
Just Saying
September 11th, 2012
8:35 pm
My biggest concern is PATs. We have a kicker who is great from 40+ yards out, but what the heck is going on with the chip shots? He has one miss and 2 kicks have hit the upright and bounced in. Is he trying to take too much off the PATs?
GoDawgs1980
September 11th, 2012
8:36 pm
I agree JS, he needs to learn to just drill it! Kick it through the net if you can!
CHDawg
September 11th, 2012
8:36 pm
Hi Dollar, I still think Malcome has yet to hit his stride. He hurt his hand in game one, and then he coughed it up (even though he fell on it) against MO. They didn’t run him much, but I thought he ran well. Maybe they were worried about the cast bothering him. I have to admit I love watching all of our TBs. Gurley is a beast, but he has a very different style. He runs straight up, but he is as strong as a horse. Malcome has great lean, and he can push a pile, and it is fun to watch, too. Unfortunately, carrying six defenders in his piles might make him more prone to getting scuffed up. I think he is going to break out this year, though. I would like to see them get the ball to Marshall in space some. He doesn’t run at 4.4 speed between the tackles (he does well though), so I’m ready to see him light the burners. Thx for asking!
CHDawg
September 11th, 2012
8:40 pm
GoDawgs80, I hope you are right. He has steadily improved and he was superb last year. I’d love to see us start picking a lot of balls back there! Just sayin, I told somebody that we need to move him back with penalties to make his PATs 40 yarders. He hit the 40+ and 50+ dead on, and then gave us heart attacks with his bird shot pattern on PATs. Go Dawgs!
GTBob
September 11th, 2012
8:41 pm
That’s sad Bob. I wish I could meet you to see the kind of person you are away from your keyboard.
Well, I would meet you somewhere but im afraid GoDawgs80 would follow you and hang me. You should also chill out a little. If what I am saying is bothering you that much then it may be best for you to go elsewhere like you threatened to do earlier. No shame in not sticking around if you are uncomfortable.
GTBob
September 11th, 2012
8:45 pm
no bob, you dissagree about opinions. your opinions are all of the following:
ignorant
stupid
misguided
Yet they are still opinions that I am entitled to. You actually want me to die because I have different opinions than you and you are trying to preach to me about ignorance and stupidity.
The Sanders Commings Fan Club
September 11th, 2012
8:45 pm
What a real man, beating women half his size to a bloody pulp.
I’ll bet Saint Mark is really proud of Commings.
DollarDawg
September 11th, 2012
8:46 pm
“I have to admit I love watching all of our TBs. ”
Me too dude, what a stable! A strength like this is the kind of thing that can separate a great team from the good ones. This kind of depth/talent can also make up for shortcomings in other areas.
GoDawgs1980
September 11th, 2012
8:46 pm
I tried to see if anyone knew this earlier, but does anyone have any clue when the last time UGA opened its season against 3 opponents which it had never met in the regular season before? We met Mizz but that was a bowl game and only that time. We have never played the Bulls or FAU or Mizzou in the regular season.
Just Saying
September 11th, 2012
8:47 pm
I have a prediction for this Saturday (maybe a blind one, but I think it will happen so I want you all to remember you heard it here first from “Just Saying”)!!! Todd and Boo will have respectable games (duh), but Keith Marshall will go bananas and have a great game. He hasn’t had many good opportunities, but the OL will open some huge holes Saturday and KM will have 100+ yards…..maybe even 150+. Take it to the bank….he is a time bomb waiting to explode!!!!
HunkerDownDawg
September 11th, 2012
8:48 pm
Bob, I’m a grown man and am fully capable of making myself comfortable. I’m just trying to understand someone like you because I’ve heard of people such as yourself, but never met one. In addition, I am a Christian and would never feel shame from college football, much less a blog on the AJC website. I WILL leave the site… when I am done reading and upon my own decision. Lastly, I don’t know why I would need to “CHILL OUT” when I am completely “chilled”. Just relaxing, reading some blogs and watching the Braves. I think maybe you need to “chill out” because it appears that you get really excited when people acknowledge you on the AJC UGA blogs.