AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > May > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSEC crime wave subsides — slightly
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Two days after Georgia’s final football game last season, a player was arrested for drunk driving, stealing a car and speaking Pinocchio in his statement to police — your basic triple crown for an SEC football player.
For a school and a conference giving lip service to purification, it wasn’t the way to start an off-season. In Birmingham, the commissioner of the SEC slapped his forehead and asked obvious question.
“You just say, ‘Why?’” Mike Slive said Wednesday. “But I think we’ve all stepped up. We decided just asking why isn’t good enough anymore.”
It’s only late May. Still plenty of time for bar fights and borderline recruits submitting suddenly mutant SAT scores inflated to Mensa levels. But there is a relative calm these days. At least by SEC standards.
Mark Richt and Georgia have acted swiftly to suspend four players — and the fact there have been only four actually is good news. Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer has kicked off one player and suspended another. An Alabama player was arrested for possessing a stolen hand gun. Six Mississippi State players were involved in a bar fight.
But this docket is nothing like a year ago, when Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina exhausted the supply of public defenders and the conference from top to bottom looked like an episode of “Cops.”
“I would say things have been much less chaotic,” said Slive.
If this trend holds up, some credit should go to the conference’s partnership a year ago with the “Mentors in Violence Prevention” (MVP) program, which educates athletes in character development and conflict resolution. Over 2,600 athletes and coaches were exposed to 90-minute programs between September and April.
But here’s another key: Somebody finally woke up.
Georgia hardly is pristine. Four suspensions are four floors south of pristine. But the thumb-twirling and soft-on-crime attitude that permeated the football program in the past seems to have diminished. In each case, Georgia or Richt has handed down punishment within 48 hours of learning of an arrest. And the punishment wasn’t running steps.
“I do feel like we’ve been more proactive in dealing with things,” athletic director Damon Evans said.
“Mark understands the magnitude of things when football players put the university in the spotlight. When things have happened, he and the administration have stepped up and moved quickly.”
Similarly, Fulmer, whose team’s lack of discipline no doubt contributed to Tennessee’s unraveling last season, has snapped out of it. Job security could have something to do with that. But three weeks ago, Fulmer reportedly blasted his team immediately after two were arrested (one for making “inappropriate” comments to a mother and daughter).
Are SEC coaches actually taking things more seriously now?
“I don’t have actual data in front of me, but my sense is that’s the case,” Slive said. “We’re educating the athletes now [with the MVP program]. But there is an accountability, and holding a student-athlete accountable for their behavior is a lesson.”
Didn’t take long at Georgia. Dannell Ellerbe was suspended after his DUI, driving a teammate’s car into a tree and giving police false information. He’ll miss three games. Antonio Sims, who had a DUI last November and multiple school violations, was suspended from school, effectively wiping out his season.
Two offensive linemen will sit for the first two games: Ian Smith (public intoxication) and Daniel Inman (for “violating team policy,” and it’s never good when left undefined.)
At this time a year ago, Georgia had five arrests. Not a big difference. But one included Darrius Swain, who was jailed for 22 days. So far, only one recruit has failed to qualify. Last year, several failed to make it past admissions, including Jamar Chaney, because of a suspicious SAT score.
Another recruit, Tavares Kearney, was charged with using his camera phone to take a picture of the answer key for a summer school test. He denied it, claimed the picture was taken accidentally and twisted a teacher’s wrist to get the phone back.
At one point, the Bulldogs had 12 arrests in a span of 14 months. Tennessee and South Carolina also had double-digit arrests in a similar time frame.
Why did the SEC partner with the “MVP” program? Because it needed it.
It’s the summer. Evans admitted, “I feel more comfortable during the season when players don’t have as much free time on their hands.”
Imagine. When the season starts, that’s when he feels at ease.
Permalink | Comments (38) | Categories: Jeff Schultz, UGA / SEC
Comments
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By JD
May 24, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this
Why is it the same issue every year for UGA? Multiple players getting arrested and not qualifying for admission to school. Its pathetic that a kid can steal and wreck a teammates car and not be kicked off the team.
And no, I’m not a UF/UT/GT fan bashing. I’m an Athens native and proud UGA alum who’s getting tired of the same old crap every year.
By jrmdvm1
May 24, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
These problems begin before these athletes become Dawgs or Gator or Vols, or anything else. There was another recent column about the parents of the athletes. Society as a whole is to blame for this. One would have hoped that these athletes would have had enough guidance before college to mature, but there is so much pressure to win, even at the high school level, that a few of these athletes never learned self discipline before college. The same is true of non-athletes, but we have always expected “sports” to build character, but in the past it was building on a better basis than what is now prevalent in our whole culture. The mentoring is a step in the direction of correcting this and helping these young athletes live up to their potential as citizens, not just athletes. I applaud the “second chances” given to them. But, this type of help needs to be there for other young people as well. I hope that those given another opportunity will “give back” to all the youth back in their communities, so that the “second chance” is not just about being able to participate in sports, but because of that chance, it can make a difference in many more lives. I hope that this is what UGA and the SEC are trying to do.
By Godfrey
May 24, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this
Jeff! You’ve painfully omitted the double dip of TWO Ole Miss assistant coaches being dumped for DUI and public drunk offenses only four weeks apart.
Charlie Camp and Joe Cullen, both happened last spring.
Now that’s setting the standard for your players!
By uga4ever
May 24, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this
I have met Coach Richt and heard him speak at several churches. He doesn’t condone indecent behavior whatsoever. He is a man of faith and very high morals. These athletes are men not kids. He can’t be around them 24/7. Coach Richt doesn’t extend scholarship offers to recruits who have a criminal background. If it happens when they get here…then they will be dealt with accordingly.
By RD
May 24, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this
What I find even more amazing is that players at some SEC schools never have problems (LOL…. yeah, right). I’ll take UGA’s “glass house” approach over the “iron curtain” used by certain other schools and their player-friendly law enforcement agencies any day.
Richt puts problems out there to be seen and dealt with. Other coaches would be well advised to do the same.
By JW
May 25, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this
This is real nice. Ellerbe is charged with a felony and several misdemeanors and he gets suspended for three games. Give me a break. It’s about time the schools and players start taking responsiblity for their actions. I wonder if he lost his scholarship? It’s a state school and it’s nice to see how are tax dollars are spent.
By bob
May 25, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this
Jeff, please keep in mind that these athletes are NOT adults. They are somewhere between 18 and 23 year old children in men’s bodies. Most of these young men are not your typical college students either. They are much closer in demeanor and mentality to the guys you see hanging around the convenience store at midnight than those hanging out at the Physics Lab at midnight.
You imply there is a systemic behavioral problem within SEC football programs, yet you choose not to investigate the cause of the irresponsible behavior. Instead you imply that coaches Richt, Fulmer, Myer etc. are poor baby sitters, and therein lies the problem. Have you ever researched whether football players get in more (or more serious) trouble proportionally than the male student population in general? Have you investigated whether football players get in more trouble proportionally than other students who are admitted with reduced academic qualifications? I understand that doing the homework to really understand this issue is less enjoyable than taking easy keyboard jabs, but I believe your readers would appreciate a more scholarly investigation into the problem.
By Bo
May 25, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
Most are black athletes, so who is surprised? Why should they behave any different than other balck males?
By UGA_Fan
May 25, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
I’m glad to hear that coach Richt is a man of faith but how do you explain him letting so many of his players off so easily compared to Spurrier kicking his players off the team for much less offenses.
If you’re trying to teach these kids how to respect others and themselves, you teach them a lesson that they will never forget. That lesson should NOT be suspending them for the easiest game of the year.
What kind of example is Richt setting? Real crimes should have real consequences.
By Keith Herring
May 25, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this
I want to know who in the ham and cheese wrote the comment about “they are mostly black males”, and thats the way black males behave. They are the same black males who play in the “white” stadium which is packed every SEC weekend. I played in the SEC and I proudly sport 2 Doctorate degrees. I am law abiding and I support my school no matter what color the player is who takes the field.
By Keith Herring
May 25, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this
I want to know who in the ham and cheese wrote the comment about “they are mostly black males”, and thats the way black males behave. They are the same black males who play in the “white” stadium which is packed every SEC weekend. I played in the SEC and I proudly sport 2 Doctorate degrees. I am law abiding and I support my school no matter what color the player is who takes the field.
By clark
May 25, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this
A couple of observations. First, these athletes are ADULTS! In the State of Georgia, you are considered an adult at the age of 17.
Second, it’s a demographic certainty that the problems and inappropriate behavior these athletes experienced and demonstrated on their streets, in their neighborhoods, in their high schools and at home will follow them to Athens. I saw it firsthand in the service, especially in boot camp. I witnessed and dealt with bad behavior by both whites and blacks in the service. They come to Athens without the direction and social skills necessary to handle the freedom of being on their own for the first time. Military boot camp might be a better “red shirt” season for some to help them grow-up emotionally.
By Glenn
May 25, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this
Kudos for taking a small step in the right direction. Chronologically, these folks are adults. Emotionally, they are more youth than adults. However, playing football on scholarship is a privilege. If you get arrested you should forego the privilege for at least a year.
Christian or not, I commend Mark Richt for punishing the kids and having an intolerance for misbehavior. Leave room for redemption too. Suspend the player for a year, then if they have what it takes, let them come back the next year. That is law and judgment together.
The stiffer punishments are a step in the right direction, but we are by no means there.
By JH
May 25, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this
18 - 23 year olds are NOT adults??!! Is that SEC math?
By Dave
May 25, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this
One coach who I was very disappointed in was Sylvester Croom. He had 5 players who basically just beat up a guy. His comment was the justice system took care of it. These kids were not even suspended one game. I know he is on the hot seat, but when I questioned him not getting the AL job my questions are now gone AL made the right choice with Shula.
By neil young
May 25, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this
Bo must be a true southern gentlemen. Why should he behave differently than other southern gentlemen?
By Deuce
May 25, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this
JH- “18-23 are NOT adults” What are you smoking? They certainly are not kids. They can go to war, they go to adult prisons, etc. I guess when you turn 18, you will realize that you aren’t mamma’s little boy anymore. “Is that SEC math?” Another ignorant comment. What does age have to do with math? What a moron you are!
By neil young
May 25, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this
Bo must be a true southern gentlemen. Why should he behave differently than other southern gentlemen?
By warren
May 25, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this
Why should the SEC be full of “Angels”? Look at the University of Texas National Champions who played a running back that had been accused of robbing people on the street in Austin. Maybe he was falsely charged but then it is interesting to see that he was not included in the National Championship Ring Ceremony or the visit to the White House and that Mack Brown released him from the team “after” the game to improve his academics. Same player is in the news now concerning 5 pounds of marijuana in a big 12 backpack. Coach Brown says he is not thinking of reinstating the player at this time. Oh well, we’ll see how the season goes and how bad he needs a running back. Major college sports has gotten to be a game of thugs. How many fathers would like their daughters to date a major college player these days? Obviously not all players are thugs…problem is there are enough out there that I’d rather my daughters date the nerds. They make money too…the old fashion way! They earn it.
By Rob Hicks
May 25, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this
Yeah, it’s only in the SEC that these kids are getting in trouble. Another chance to bash UGA. How about commenting on college football criminal activity as a whole? As bad as it has been, no school in the SEC will ever top Miami Thug-a-caines when it comes to illegal activity!!
By uga4ever
May 25, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this
It’s not just the SEC Schultz!! It’s everywhere. We just don’t hear about it as much because of location. Look at the ACC as well- Miami THugs, Florida State Criminoles, Virginia Tech Chokies, and even the Techies (Reuben Houston)
By reality check
May 25, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this
When college athletes get in trouble the news hits the papers. When other college students get in trouble it tends not to.
I have to wonder how aggressively traffic violations and DUI’s committed by journalists are reported. They all either have pristine records or I missed the reports.
By Tom
May 25, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
“I’m glad to hear that coach Richt is a man of faith but how do you explain him letting so many of his players off so easily compared to Spurrier kicking his players off the team for much less offenses.”
Do you know what Spurrier’s initials (SOS) stand for? “Suspend over Summer” After gus freshman year at UF Jamar Gaffney broke in the locker room at UF during the H.S. State Championship game taking place on the UF’s field and pilfered through bags, etc and took off with money, jewelry, watches, etc. He was suited up for UF’s very next game. Spurrier talked big but carried a little stick.
By Reilly
May 25, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this
Are you telling me that there are college students out there drinking underage and driving while intoxicated!!!??? Thank goodness it is just the athletes that are doing that. The thought of 25,000 undergrads doing that every weekend in Athens would be terrifying. It’s also good to know that this behavior or any other criminal activity isn’t taking place at any other athletic programs located outside of the SEC like Miami, Virginia Tech, Florida St., Georgia Tech, USC, Texas, or Colorado.
By Larry DuPre
May 25, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
The only answer to the problem is for all of the SEC schools to pull the scholarships and dismiss convicted offenders from the team. It is no favor to a young person to allow them to escape consewueneces of criminal behavior. The fact is most coaches are more concerned for their jobs than the future of players. The failure of athletic departments to take decisive action sends a message that that there are no serious penalties. A few years later when the prison door slams will the truth be brought home. How much better for all of us if the lesson could have been taught earlier.
By Richt Cheats
May 25, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this
What color is the sky in your world Schultz ?…..A three game suspension for Auto Theft…..Oh yeah, that Richt is a real disciplinarian…..He is a piece of Sh** and will eventually be flushed down the toilet just like Jim Harrick !
By Mart
May 25, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this
Athens is now officially “Tallahassee of the North.” Coach Richt brought the FSU mentality north with him, in all its aspects.
By paul
May 25, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this
Bo, thank you for telling the truth and screw all of you PC’ers who know he speaks the truth. What do you people expect to happen when you recruit Crips and Bloods? You think a tiddly wink game will break out?
You people know the truth but only Bo will speak it.
By P--Dawg
May 25, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
As a UGA grad, I knew several students who got an alcohol related charge or some other charge at a party, downtown ect. They didn’t lose their scholarships nor were they reprimanded by the school in most cases. These athletes are not only caught but they make the news and become a topic of discussion. Many of these student athletes(kids) come from backgrounds where this scholarship is the only probable shot at a decent life. A game suspencion is a big deal. Let the courts or Richt punish them. Most issues are indescretions(which are usually considered criminal on some level), let these kids overcome them at school, on a team, where they can become better people.
By Richt Cheats
May 25, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
You are an idiot P-Dawg….yeah we all remember those minor “Kids will be Kids”troubles we got into in college like “Auto Theft”….You people really are morons…..
By Doug
May 25, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
How much you wanna bet “Richt Cheats” is a Tech fan who whined and complained that everyone was making too big a deal out of something minor like Ruben Houston carrying around 100 pounds of pot?
By TechGirl
May 25, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
It is embarrassing for ANY school to have news reported about a crime committed by one of their players. The fact does remain though that these 18-23 year olds are adults, not kids. They should have to pay for their crimes rather than be treated with kid gloves because they play football (or basketball, or baseball, etc.). Believe me, when Reuben Houston was arrested, suspended from school and then later allowed to return to school, the general consensus was that he shouldn’t have been allowed back, moreso than comments about “that poor kid” or “he came from a rough neighborhood”. Although I may not agree with a 3 game suspension (easy way out) I do respect Richt for taking the initiative to swiftly make a decision about punishment.
By R VANSANT
May 25, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
TELL NEIL YOUNG, TELL OL’ NEIL, A SOUTHERN MAN DON’T NEED HIM AROUND ANY HOW!
By AltamahaDawg
May 25, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
You guys obviously didn’t bother to read that Ellerby was not convicted of any felony, nor auto theft. I doubt you would be insisiting that your kid had his college education revoked for a misdemeaner conviction.
By sj
May 25, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this
One item has not been mentioned yet. The number of law enforcement people, and surveillance cameras increase virtually every year. They are getting caught more often.
IMO, as far as alcohol related incidents, these guys are doing what many college kids do. As far as drug dealing, violence, and theft, they probably come to college from a culture that has never had rigid standards for behavior.
In addition to SAT scores, grades and transcripts, the incoming players should be given a polygraph test with one question….have you ever stolen a bicycle? If they lie and say no…reject.
By p
May 25, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
looks like the acc’s crime wave is still pretty good in spite of losing the pot selling tech DB and marcus vick to graduation. the duke lacrosse seems to be holding its own.
i guess this is the kind of article you write when you get your rear handed to you after the ridiulous masters column and the AI to the hawks column.
let’s face it. you are now a joke in this town. maybe you have a day job too. seems like a writer would have a lot of time their hands. i can’t imagine you can make a living by writing this column.
By Steve
May 25, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this
Puh-leaze. As if one conference or coach is better than another at controlling it’s young mens behavior around alcohol? C’mon the fans behavior on any given Saturday, that involves a National program with a raucous fan base, is many times more offensive than any of Jeff’s totals for each mentioned school. I played in this environment and the only difference between schools/conferences was how strict the on campus police were and what the drinking culture was like for each individual team. The only way to eliminate this problem is for the kids to give up drinking. Outside of that, you can only hope stiffer penalties will curb abuse, and there is nothing stiffer than losing playing priviledges given the few games played in football. See Jeff, if you ever got drunk in college, nobody cared if you ran your mouth, rec’d a DUI, or failed a alcohol test.
By Jaymerr
May 25, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this
Ellerbe charged with a felony and is still at Georgia? Come on lets show some correctness. UGA is a highly respected university. Lets keep it that way. We don’t need this type of football player.