UGA

By Vision

July 30, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

LOL, what did you expect him to say? “Why yes, we target UGA footballers all the time”? Only Williams and his conscience know the truth.

What I hate personally is *reading in the AJC and all other sports pubs *about the kind of citations that a ton of people get every day, including soccer moms, because the guy that got stopped by Willimas’ crew just happens to be a UGA football player.

It is ridiculous to publish a story on routine traffic tickets. This is not Hollywood and the AJC is not the papparatzi, are you?

By brandon

July 30, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Give the DAWGS a break man!

By Brian

July 30, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Good to see Andy has Barney’s back.

By Bill

July 30, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Operating a vehicle with a suspended liscense will get you arrested every time.

By same as the rest of us

July 30, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Football players should be held to the same standards as everyone else. If they break the law - they face the charges. Perhaps too many young players have Michael Vick as a role model.

By Hate for Athens Police

July 30, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Athens police are out to get anyone they can. They arrest countless people on game day for stupid reason, ruin peole lives and give the city a bad repuation. I think more should be looked into these type of arrests.

By CJ2

July 30, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Where did Williamson go to school? Hmmmm.

By apply_the_law_fairly

July 30, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

You have a suspended license… don’t drive. Duh! Why should a football player get treated differently than anyone else? Paris Hilton served jail time over her suspended license. Plenty of people in “middle-class-America” do to. You did something against the law to get your license suspended… the suspended license is called Your Punishment. If you have a suspended license, you should not be driving. If you are caught driving (and disobeying traffic laws on top of disobeying your license suspension), that is through your own poor choice(s). To jail with anyone who makes that choice!

By David

July 30, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Hmm… I wonder why Richt and Williamson have such a “good relationship”

By Fire T. Moore!

July 30, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Gimme a break - GUILTY! Lock ‘em up now before we have more VICKs in the NFL!!!

By Chip Towers

July 30, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Vision,

As a matter of routine, we monitor the Athens-Clarke County jail log. If one of the persons listed there is a UGA scholarship athlete — or a coach or a faculty member, etc. — we check it out and report it. Is it your position that we should ignore it?

By davedawg

July 30, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

I don’t fault the AJC for reporting when a UGA athlete gets in trouble. What would it be like if they didn’t report it? Wouldn’t it seem weird if all of the sudden Richt suspended some players and nobody knew why? Wouldn’t you want to know why? UGA can’t comment on anything becasue of privacy laws. What if the Knoxville, Gainesville, and Columbia papers ran the stories and the AJC didn’t? Wouldn’t you think, “Hey if those other papers have articles about UGA players why won’t my hometown write about it? Maybe the AJC has a different perspective that those other papers don’t have?”

Come on people give the AJC a break. Their just reading the police blotter, thier not waiting in the bushes outside Butts-Mehre. Every other UGA beat writer in the state reported Ward’s arrest and I bet they didn’t get accussed of bias.

By Diogenes

July 30, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Look, I’m a 3rd generation, red and black Dawg fan, but I always get amused when I hear some group or another claim to be unfairly “targeted” when they are busted for some offense. It seems rather elemental (though apparently not to some people) that if you choose not to commit the offense, this isn’t an issue. SPEAKING of which, I almost wet myself today laughing so hard about the NAACP complaining that Vick was being unfairly “targeted” for judgment in the media. This is the same organization that demanded blood at Duke? Oh Lord, the priceless irony (a concept I doubt they understand, anyway). And where DO these people come from that were out picketing for the same reason in front of the Dome yesterday? Are these people for real? Holy cow … . to quote Forrest Gump, “That’s all I have to say about that.”

By David

July 30, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Pretty much a load of hooey … no police officer with any real sense of why he wears the uniform would have made a case against either guy - and it has nothing to do with whether or not it was a football player. Somebody needs to enhance the NEGA Police Academy’s curriculum to include proper use of the authority of the badge. There is always room for discretion, and every police officer knows it. It’s stuff like this that gets the campus police force the “barney” label.

By NASCARfan

July 30, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Chip,

So you didn’t ask him to explain WHY his officer pulled someone over for passing on the right?

Because that is the fact I and many of us here have a problem with. NO ONE gets pulled over for passing on the right. That’s why this smells fishy. Also, I wasn’t under the impression that you needed a license to ride a moped, as it can be peddled like a bike, so I can understand why Caleb thought so as well.

It’s not the fact that the guys weren’t or aren’t in the wrong… it’s the ticky-tack nature of the cops pulling these guys over. Once again, Chip, PASSING ON THE EFFING RIGHT!!!???

ACCPD is out of freaking control, and it’s not just athletes, it’s students as well. I agree with Cuz and the others who say that this police department is nothing more than a racketeering, shake-down operation that uses fringe laws, and ticketable offense that NO OTHER COP IN THE STATE would ticket someone for. And they do it because athletes and students are their cash cow.

But the other issue, Chip, is why Carter Strickland and your AJC Sports Editor seems to think all of these misdemeanors are news, and the fact that Strickland is such a snide b******* about it.

So, I’m glad you called this guy up, but you didn’t really ask the one question we all would hae asked him: Why his cops are pulling people over for offenses that no other cop in the state would.

By rufus

July 30, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

They have such a good relationship because Richt knows that the police chief will see most of his players sooner or later.They probably talk daily. When you recruit thugs this is what you get. Division 1 college sports have gone to he?? over the past 20 years.

By 74 Dawg

July 30, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Officers are required to is a load of crap. I know a guy who, after being offered a d.d.ride , pulled out of an apartment complex on Medlock bridge road, hit a car, had a suspended license, and was DUI. The officer gave him a ticket for failing to yield and sent him on his way… at 1:00 in the morning. Again, recently , a kid hit me,following too close. no license, no proof of insurance- he got a ticket for following too close, and drove on. Whatever the law is, the officer does have some discretion . Police are just like the rest of us, some are too easy going)or lazy), some are hard a**, and most get it right most of the time.

By TopDawg

July 30, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

The fact that Ward got pulled over for passing on the right sounds a little suspicious, but if in fact, he was driving with a suspended license, he should be arrested as should anyone else.

The last I heard on the Caleb King story was that he was riding a moped in the wrong direction on a one way street. Then there was a mention of the size engine and whether he needed to even have a license. Never saw anything further on that. If he was riding a moped with an engine large enough to require a license, he should be treated like everyone else. If the engine was small enough that my 11 year old son could ride it, then I don’t view it as much more than a bicycle. Should he have been charged with riding a bicycle in the wrong direction on a one way street?

By karl

July 30, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Ok, driving the wrong way down a wrong way street is one thing, but passing on the right? WTF is that? He wasn’t speeding. How is that even judged as a moving violation?

By liz

July 30, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

UGA fans be forewarned Caleb King is not the brightest bulb in the box. I can’t imagine him being academically eligible. Don’t get to excited about this kid

By David

July 30, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Hey AJC, I was pulled over last week for speeding… are you going to put that on the front page?

By Jay

July 30, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Report an athlete that was driving down the wrong side of the street with a suspended license - NO! Report an athlete that was driving down the wrong side of the street intocicated -WHY? Let the university handle it swiftly and justly. If you find out that the university sweeps it under the rug then report it. The only reason the print media reports it is to increase their circulation.

By austindog

July 30, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Chip, so the only scholarship athletes arrested this summer have been football players?

The officers do their duty and it’s true that UGA and Athens PD would get hammered over preferencial police treatment, but it’s the ajc that makes passing on the right a headline.

By Dawgboy

July 30, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Get real people…not everybody that works at UGA and/or attends there knows all the football players. Or even cares about the sport (God forbid!) They are not gods, like you make them to be. They are 18 to 22 year olds and they do stupid stuff. Unfortunately, it sometimes get you arrested.

By Michael

July 30, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Passing on the right? Driving a moped the wrong way. Walking in downtown Athens with a little buzz. You can tell that these Barney Fife wannabes have never attended college themselves. This is all stuff that you call the parents or in this case the coach. 20 laps on Monday morning would have solved all of these problems.

By Athletes serve no purpose

July 30, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

I doubt that the police are targeting UGA athletes, I do not however doubt that college athletes drive around with an air of entitlement. They are given cars, apartments and more from boosters and supporters and even the school. IN fact I know of one family that keeps an amazing garage apartment in their home in Athens for football players to live in free of rent. And it is a NICE place. Maybe if more was demanded of these children, they would not act liek the little thugs they are.

By colormebadd

July 30, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Of course the athletes are being singled out and mistreated.

I mean, they are only driving a multi-ton machine on the wrong side of the street, perhaps drinking, and thereby putting innocent lives in danger. Let the “all american” boys run free.

It’s not like they are involved in dogfighting.

Umph.

By Ronny

July 30, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Hey man, this is redickulus. These cops is clerely targetin the dawgs. He could cut some slak if he wanted to. Rules are for loosers like them Techies. Go DAWGS!!! Woof, Woof.

By Everybody Loves Caleb

July 30, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

UGA fans be forewarned, fans of schools that Caleb shunned will take a few seconds out of their day to post something negative about him. They are not the brightest of bulbs in the box. They are bitter, dull bulbs, with short, chubby fingers.

By jack

July 30, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Jimmy is sounding GREAT…just a politician with direct lines to the Prezzz….he has not worked with tailgating…moving to kicking us off the campus….I know when those players leave the practice fields…the officers are just waiting…yes…these young men should have a valid liscense..but give me a break…

By BT

July 30, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

State law or not, I had an illegal mexican run a red light and hit me and another citizen. He then proceeded to leave the scene. Fortunately I caught up to the slime ball and called the cops. HE DIDN”T HAVE A LICENSE!! The Cartersville Police let him go with a ticket only, which there is no evidence that it was ever paid.

Bottom line: Be it Athens or Cartersville, it is the discretion of arresting cops to take someone in, write a ticket or issue a warning. I’m sure these officers as well as the chief get some kind of a sick kick out of bringing in the young & foolish dogs. They also had a good laugh after Towers hung up the phone.

Just remember that justice is all too often still crooked and politically motivated.

By Lex Luthor

July 30, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Richt should expell any of those who break the law. This team needs some discipline!

By tim

July 30, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Athens cops are the worst in the state. They arrest people for anything. They have the highest cop to population ratio. Some of the police in the city are good people who I know and respect but a lot of them are dumb rednecks with anger issues. So many cops with nothing to do creates a lot of the issues. Drinking at 19 or 20 is done by most everyone and should not be a reason to arrest anyone. I guess these dumb a* politicians figure it’s ok to die for your country at 18 but not ok to drink IN your country.

By Huh?

July 30, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

How stoooopid do you have to be to drive on a suspended license? There’s dumb. Then there’s Dumber. Then there’s the guy who claims they are out to get him when he keeps making dumbererer decisions.

By this is gooberville

July 30, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Dear Ronny, Vision and the rest of you illiterate, uneducated goobers:

You are the reason why people make fun of the South. Learn to spell before posting you goobers.

By Granitedawg

July 30, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

What’s all this stuff about passing on the right? What is the Georgia law on this? Why not publish everyone’s name in Athens who does these things,instead of just the athletes. Treat ‘em all alike !!!!

By rondog

July 30, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

First of all, you eggheads, Jimmy is not the chief of ACCPD, he’s chief of UGA PD, note the difference? Secondly, the passing on the right was, I believe, a citation written by ACCPD, (Athens Clarke County P.D.) so go ask their chief why the young man was cited for passing on the right. I imagine they will tell you that it is AGAINST THE EFFING LAW!!! Enforced? Not much, but it is the law.

By Lex Luthor

July 30, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

All of you who think its wrong to football players for breaking the law: ANY OF THE REST OF US WOULD HAVE BEEN ARRESTED! I guess Vick should be slapped on the backside and told not to do it again. Being able to stap on pads and run around in a field doesn’t make you above the law. Driving on a suspended liscense is an automatic trip to the pokey, cut them slack? I bet if Vick had been burned when he was younger he wouldn’t have been dumb enough to bankroll a dog fighting operation.

Grow up and get real!

By Money Booster

July 30, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Wow, I guess the fans that delivered the wheel barrel of petitions to Adams over the Dooley “retirement” have hurt the school’s wallet. Players are now getting pulled over on mopeds instead of Escalades? Tough times at the cesspool.

By FLORDIA OVER UGA

July 30, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

I got a good idea. Since you UGA puppies are still crying for over the years we continue to beat your mutts to the dirt road backside, you don’t like the NAACP, and Caleb King, get rid all of your black players and go 4-7 like Vandy. You and the state of Georgia suck. The cops need to arrest the whole UGA student enrollment period. I’m about to give you some knowledge you minor and punks on this borad. 1.David Greene is a third string qb and you still praise him. 2.David Pollack is in a neck brace. 3.Fred Gibson is a whinner. 4.Odell Thurman is a crackhead. 5.DJ Shockley and Herschel Walker should had gone to Clemson in the first place. 6.Your records will always be 8-3 and 9-2. 7.One national championship and don’t count 1942 that you shared with Norte Dame. 8.Georgia is Georgia. Loser! 9.Never have any play makers. 10.Mark Richt is going back to FSU.

Florida Gators Rule Class of 1997 Bring all the black players here so we can continue to beat your mutts.

We are go paper bag UGA like Michael Vick beats dogs

By Wade

July 30, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Williamson went to Georgia you idiots. Why would he sabotage his own schools team.

By James

July 30, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Boo Hoo Hoo! These guys have been coddled all their lives. Welcome to the real world. Why aren’t a good portion of them in Iraq or Afghanistan anyway? Because they let real men fight for their freedom. With a war against terrorism going on how can these guys look themselves in the mirror each day ? I went to Georgia AFTER I served in Vietnam. I would recommend they follow a similar course in serving their country.

By SanDiegoJacket

July 30, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Chip

Whatever you do don’t ask the UGAG football players to pass the written driving exam…..where are the tutors when you need them?

By Josh

July 30, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Passing on the right? Does that mean he was on a multi-lane road and passed a car in the right lane? Or does it mean that he was on a two lane road, and passed a car by going off the road?

By Hal

July 30, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

A few things to note… 1)Yes it has to be reported by the media outlets 2) Yes, if the law dictates the situation then they probably have to go to jail 3) No, I do not believe that Barnes should have been locked up though, for god’s sake, he wasn’t throwing empty beer bottles thru windows on campus… he was walking home. 4) Just because a few kids get into trouble doesn’t mean the T Moore, Firman Bischer, or Schultz should call an end to the run amok football program. It is absolutely absurd some of the charges columnist and opposing fans alike hurl towards UGA athlete when a larger percentage of the student population at every school includint Tech runs into similar problems in college. To be honest, some of the crap that gets said is just embarrasing!

By "GOOD" Dawg

July 30, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

I believe Williamson is right ! Other people have to have a valid license so why not our football players?

By PauldingDawg

July 30, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

In my younger wilder days 5 years or so back, I was let go on 2 offenses that UGA athletes have been BOOKED and POSTED BAIL for. One night in Buckhead, I was walking down the street with a beer, and was very politely told to poor it out and throw it away. I wasnt’ taken to jail and booked. On 2 occastions, I was pulled over after getting a ticket that I had failed to pay (automatic suspension). On both occastions, I was out of state, and told to take care of the matter immediately. I’ve never known ANYONE to be pulled over for passing on the right, or on a moped outside of Athens-Clarke County in my life. I don’t think they target athletes, I think they target EVERYTHING….Reminds me of a certain Corey Smith song: “But, for every cop who thinks his badge is a crown, this song’s for you, and I’ll never bow down”. STOP BARNEY CLARKE COPS.

By tim

July 30, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

CHIP TOWERS, make sure to tell Williamson that everybody knows that Athens cops are the worst in the state. They have to arrest everyone they can so they can finance a department the size of Atlantas in a small college town

By 2N4YEARS

July 30, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

CHIP “As a matter of routine, we monitor the Athens-Clarke County jail log. If one of the persons listed there is a UGA scholarship athlete — or a coach or a faculty member, etc. — we check it out and report it. Is it your position that we should ignore it?”

YES. You shouldn’t waste space on paper or this site for silly offences like this. Underage drinking is about as petty as I would go. Sounds like the UGA Police have NOTHING to do.

By Vision

July 30, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

No, Chip, I don’t think printing every traffic stop of a footballer is newsworthy over time. Report it if the guy is DWI and I have no problem with it. Reporting the routine stop-ticket is just reporting that Joe Blow got a ticket.

I acknowledge that I am trying to live a pipedream that is unlike today’s “if it bleeds it leads and by the way, gets more web hits” mentality when it comes to reporting college athletics.

The quest for increased web hits is no doubt why we get the sensationalized lead ins too.

By the way, it is even less interesting to read about Georgia Tech students getting traffic tickets.

By Luke

July 30, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

I am an alumnus of the University of Georgia and furthermore I donate yearly to the Athletic Association for tickets. It saddens me that these players are taking their god given talents so flippantly. I do feel it is the coaching staff’s duty to keep the players in line but on the other hand all of these athletes are adults. If you break the law and get caught I don’t feel sorry for you no matter if you’re George Bush or my next door neighbor. If it takes losing games due to suspensions to wake these young men up then so be it. I know it stinks but NO ONE should be above the law. If you don’t like it I hear Florida State is always looking for “hot” talent.

By Lex Luthor

July 30, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

When Overtaking and Passing on the Right is Permitted [§40-6-43] The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions: • When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn; or • Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lanes of moving vehicles in the direction being traveled by the overtaking vehicle [§40-6- 43(a)(1,2)]. If otherwise authorized, the driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. Such movement shall not be made by driving off the roadway [§40-6-43 (b)].

By Neutral

July 30, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Just have a question…. Do you have to have a license to be on a moped?

By MikeGSU

July 30, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

What do you guys expect these cops to do? If they let them off and people find out how bad is that gonna look to the rest of the NON-UGA public. People make mistakes, so what. They arent being suspended. Move on people. Be more conserned about your “Savior” Matt Stafford being creamed because of his inexperienced O-Line this year than this petty crap. You’ll have alot more things to be crying about once football season starts. Like UGA’s 6-6 record

By Chip Towers

July 30, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Regarding the reference to “moped,” I actually need to double check that. I know that is the way it was originally reported but Williamson referred to it as a “scooter.” As those of you who have been around the program can attest, a lot of these guys drive these scooters, which are basically small motorcycles with small seat and flat foot platform. Anyway, they require tags and registration and all and, obviously, require a valid license to operate. But I’ll double check and see if that is indeed what we’re talking about or one of those legit mopeds, which are essentially motorized bicycles.

By tenndawg

July 30, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

I don’t really think that the cops are “focusing” on busting UGA players. The real problem lies with the university and city policies. They are making the police crack down so hard on stupid little things, that they are slowly ruining Athens. I’m not young anymore, but not that old either at 29, but I used to enjoy spending the night in Athens in going out after a game. My wife and I tried after a couple of games last year, but downtown is just not what it used to be. It’s really a shame what the PC and Adams crowd have done to this once great party city.

By Hello

July 30, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Whatever happened to just writing a ticket to someone for a traffic infraction? Why do they have to run in and book every student (or just athletes?) that committ a traffic violation and have them brought up for bail?

Sometimes police officers are actually understanding. When I was a freshman at UGA, I turned the wrong way on Sanford drive in a CAR and got pulled over. I explained to the cop that I was a freshman new to campus and didn’t know it was one way and didn’t see the sign. He told me to be more careful and turn the car around and let me go with the warning. Of course I was not an athlete and the cops had more of a serve the students welfare attitude then.

I think they run students (and especially athletes) in so they can feel important and all sit around the next day, read the newspaper while eating doughnuts and drinking coffee, and pat each other on the back because they got another one.

Now they all remind me of Barney Fife and I hope to God they are only allowed to carry one bullet in their shirt pccket. Otherwise some student is really going to get hurt by these morons.

College used to be fun at times before these jerks got so serious. We had panty raids every Spring quarter and the UGA police just made sure nothing got out of hand. We had over 100 streakers one night and no one got hauled off as far as I know. Now these stupid prats would call out the National Guard if that happened.

These cops take themselves too seriously and the UGA Chief of Police and his administration need to be replaced by people who are a little less caught up with themselves.

If Mike Adams cannot cool off the UGA cops then he needs to go too. He doesn’t have that good a track record anyway; all the way from purchasing that $300,000 desk when he was hired, to getting his wife a position over there, to over ruling the AD and making the university hire his good buddy and Saturday night dinner companion, Jim Harrick.

Adams has about ruined that school and it is time the Board of Regents ran his sorry butt off. If they don’t then the next Governor needs to start replacing the Board’s members.

By Matty P

July 30, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Florida over UGA: Congratulations on your team’s athletic ability on the field, really that’s great. But do not come on here like you know anything about the UGA student population or the state simply based on what you hear. I graduated from UGA this past year and I met plenty of people with more class in the tips of their fingers than I would argue you possess in your whole body. Football success is fun to talk about and enjoy but spare yourself some embarrassment with all that junk. Way to go on misspelling your own state. Slow down the fingers a little.

By brad

July 30, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Rufus, your an idiot. 20 yrs ago, football players got away with most everything. You didn’t hear about it because they were protected. Everyone is up in arms over traffic violations. Big deal. At least they aren’t violent crimes. We are hearing about it because the media needs something to print. We should all be glad it is a bunch of petty crap.

I don’t think that they should be arrested and finger printed for this stuff but Big Brother is watching and looking for bigger fish. So, if they can get everyone on record even for the slightest of infractions, they will.

As for the UGA Police, they themselves are young and discression is not something that their bosses are ready to let them use. They are told to do things a certain way and that is how they do them.

By ol sport

July 30, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

I am so amused by the number of bloggers on here that have obviously never set foot in a college classroom, or failed to learn what they tried to teach them in high school. The spelling, the English, the lack of knowledge is just amazing. The police are out there for a reason. You break the law, you pay the price. If you aren’t old enough to drink and you are going to do it anyway, stay home for goodness sake! Who is the stupid one here. I did the same stupid things in college that these kids do today. I was one of the lucky ones that didn’t get caught, though. Be glad those underpaid, overworked folks on all police forces everywhere, are there. With the rampant crime that goes on today, what would it be without them. Everyone would have a gun!!!! Not just those that want to beat the system. Bill Cosby tells it like it is, folks. I am as big a booster as there is when it comes to the Dawgs, but these are minor infractions. Don’t lose your minds over it. I would ask the AJC this - when did you check the other police bookings for Tech students, Emory students, etc.?

By jjw

July 30, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

School is a place to learn and the UGA athletes taken in by the Athens police don’t appear to be learning very fast…book’em!

By Clay

July 30, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

One thing that’s clear is that most of the posters here have never worn a badge and they express opinions without first informing themselves. A custodial arrest is standard for driving with a suspended license. While you may or may not need a driver’s license to operate a moped depending on the particular moped’s engine size, you can’t drive it the wrong way on a one-way street whether you’re licensed or not. Jimmy Williamson has a bachelor’s degree from—newsflash—UGA. He also has an associate’s degree and a master’s degree. http://www.uga.edu/columns/040823/news-williamson.html His predecessor, Chief Chuck Horton, also had a master’s degree and played ball for the Dawgs. Another newsflash—a lot of UGA cops are Bulldog fans. Most are UGA students or grads. The fact is, these football players broke the laws and the UGA cops…Oh My God!!!…ENFORCED the laws. How dare they?!!! Athletes are not entitled to special treatment, and neither are we as readers. These players were not unfairly targeted—they drew attention to themselves. The next time some drunk fan starts harassing you at a game, I guarantee “Andy and Barney” will be there to bail your unappreciative, Monday morning quarterbacking a*******es out. Show the UGA cops the respect they deserve.

By tenndawg

July 30, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with Nascarfan on one of points. Who in hell gets pulled over passing on the right? I pass on the right all the time. The cop should have pulled the guy over that GOT passed on the right because he was going too slow in the left lane! If the police would actually enforce the law that says the left lane is for passing only (or faster traffic), then we would have a lot less wrecks on our roads. People passing on the right can cause problems because the other motorists are not ready for it, but if the cops would ticket the person in the left lane, maybe they would get out the way and not make people have to pass them on the right. Hint, if you’re ever driving in the left lane and get passed on the right, then you are breaking the law, just the same as the other guy. Get the hell out of the way! Sorry for the off topic rant, but slow people in the left lane is one of my biggest pet peeves.

By rachel

July 30, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

I know if I was caught driving on a suspended license I would go to jail and so would everyone else. What are these people crying about. Grow up!

By AltamahaDawg

July 30, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

The NCAA sniffing around for possible preferential treatment would be a much larger problem than a traffic citation showing up in the paper. And if wrong way scooters make the news, you dont think letting football player blattently break the under 21 driving laws wouldnt?

By AJC home team haters

July 30, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

AJC hate the home teams and home team players. DAWG FALCON, TECH, BRAVES HIGH SCHOOL. LOOK AT THERE ACTION!

By NICK

July 30, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Why is it that every time a black athlete is “pulled over” by the police, for breaking the law, his license is suspended? Is this another crime that, like drug dealing, murder or dog fighting, is accepted within the black community? Do blacks feel that they are “owed one”, therefore they should not have to follow the same laws as everyone else? Most of these kids nor their mother’s even own a car, so how in the hell can one get his license suspended anyways? How come you never hear of Emory student/athletes ever getting into trouble? HHHmmmm………….

By ArthurBlank

July 30, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

If Richt would stop recruiting undesirables to thUGA, there would be nothing to worry about. I guess integrity doesn’t apply, huh?

By j

July 30, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe this made it to a blog. Bunch of f’n losers. If you’re going to make it spicy, at least throw the race card!!!! Wasn’t at least one of them black? It’s like watching the ignorant fools protesting the Vick case. Un-edumacated fools. We’re not going to support the Falcons unless VICK plays. We’re not going to by season tickets unless VICK is let off. The only way these folks can afford season tickets if for me to pay my Fulton County/City of Atlanta taxes for all of the father-less babies.

We need to be discussing immigration, pollution, curing disease, money issues. Not loser sports.

FWIW: How do you get a Ga. grad off your front porch? Pay him for the pizza…

By Truth

July 30, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

I have children in Athens and they say that the UGA Police are aggressively targeting EVERYBODY. Much of it is related to the alcohol death last year and the resultant crackdown on student behavior.

A friend’s daughter got an underage drinking ticket a few weeks ago when they stopped her TAXICAB. The Dawgs are just gonna have to toe the line, I don’t think it is worse for them than for the average UGA student.

By You didn't have to make a phone call

July 30, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

What is just as funny is the headlines that the AJC puts on these “less-than-heinous crimes” …

You didn’t have to make a phone call to get a response on that questions … like the player that was “jailed” for his motor vehicle infraction …

By Clay

July 30, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Brad,

The next time you call someone an idiot, you might want to say “you’re” instead of “your.” You might also want to try “discretion” instead of “discression” when you’re slamming the cops for their inability to make their own decisions. Following these grammar lessons will lend more credibility to your opinions.

Unbelievable…you just can’t make this stuff up.

By CA

July 30, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

This was taken from the State of Georgia’s web site regarding licensing:

Mopeds

A moped is any motor driven cycle with an engine not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters (3.05 cubic inches) that can propel the cycle at a speed not to exceed 30 miles per hour (MPH) and does not require clutching or shifting.

Mopeds are exempt from the provisions relating to the registration and licensing of motor vehicles.

Rules to operate mopeds on Georgia roads and highways:

1.Must be 15 years of age and have in their possession a valid driver’s license, instructional permit or limited permit. 2.Must wear protective headgear (motorcycle helmet). 3.No tag is required. 4.Every person operating a moped upon a roadway must obey the same traffic laws governing drivers of motor vehicles. 5.May not use limited access highways or other roadways where the minimum speed limit is above 35 mph.

I recently graduated from UGA and can tell you that the scooters that a lot of the football players ride around in are more like a Vespa than a moped, which I believe you do have to be licensed for. Does anyone actually ride a moped anymore?

By Dave

July 30, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

This is a little off-point, but it’s just ridiculous that the drinking age is 21. You can die for your country, but not drink a bud.

IF the drinking age were 21 as it should be, the UGA and especially Athens cops would have virtually no one to harrass.

But we now live in a NANNY country that continues to postpone and/or strip away responsibilites. Is it any wonder that kids are becoming hapless adults that live at home until they’re 30?

By Officer on Duty

July 30, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

The old “once I find out your license is suspended its out of my hands” routine is bogus and an outright lie. Unless there is a warrant for the suspect its the officers discretion whether or not to charge him for the driving on suspended or other traffic violations. Police officers (i know, I am one) let people go all the time for various reasons.

Those officers in Athens have a hard on for the UGA football players for some reason. Somebody needs to get to the bottom of why. I promise you at no other major SEC program do the university police arrest a guy driving a moped on a suspended license. That is a joke.

By Gene

July 30, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Jim Donnan was allegedly fired by Michael Adams for lax discipline of his players. It seems like Richt is recruiting and pampering “entitled” athletes. One of the thugs who beat the young people at Lake Alatoona was a player at Murray State in Kentucky. He was off the team the next day. Driving without a license also means driving without insurance. Jails in Georgia are full of these offenders. It appears that Adams’ social programs are not working. Perhaps Richt should ask the coach at Murray State how to deal with these problems.

By HELLINAHANDBASKET

July 30, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

I live up in that area and for so long UGA and its staff and players have enjoyed freedom from the law, meaning they could get away with just about anything because they are UGA. So now that the Chief is being fair and holding them accountable for their bad behaviour for the good of the people of this area their only defense is ‘he’s picking on us”. All the charges are valid and the Chief has acted well within the law, the rest of us cannot get away with the things these guys do so why should they? Fair is fair and they should be held responsible and not think they can get away with anything just because of being a UGA player, that is whats not fair. It right that the Chief wants to protect the citizens and does not put one’s rights about another.

By GW

July 30, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

13 UGA students were caught for buying fake IDs thru the mail. Only one, a football player, had his name reported by the media. NUFF SAID!

By Odell Thurman

July 30, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the support for UGA players on this message board. We deserve it.

By Lolo

July 30, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

I don’t think the UGA cops target football players in particular..they target anyone with a pulse (or those who are questionable to have a pulse on game day).

I know one of the cops personally and he is a major geek who loves to assert his authority.

The campus cops are not so much protecting people as they are making life a whole lot more stressful when people are just trying to have a good time. They avoid the real crime.

By james

July 30, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

When I went to Georgia I used to ride the bus around campus quite often. It was always the athletes who were the most obnoxious, loud and rude - especially the football players. If I were King there would be no scholarships in college football anyway. Student/althletes period ! What a joke. These guys need a good tour in Iraq !

By Chris

July 30, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Please help! Help me understand black people. Why all the protests regarding Vick? How can the SCLC and NAACP be so racist and get away with it? Isn’t it funny that when the WHITE Duke players we being accused and NAACP and racist Jackson and Sharpton were AGAINST them also, calling them guilty? Now there is a “protest” at the Dome this coming Sunday? I hope you darky’s know how stupid your people are making you look. Burn in he_l Vick and the NAACP.

By Bert Lawson

July 30, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Dawg fans:

The 60’s and the 70’s are long gone. Everyone has to obey the Law, even Football players. Can you say Mike Vick?

By NASCARfan

July 30, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

Chris,

I hope you have fun in hell, because that’s exactly where YOU’RE going.

You’re not allowed into heaven with that kind of hate in your heart.

Unless you hate Carter Strickland, then the Lord will understand. Heh.

By OrangeMan

July 30, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Hilarious. Let a Vol player or a Bama player get arrested and Dawg fans pounce with their smarta$$ comments and laughter. But let it happen to their own and let the whining begin.

Boo Hoo, their picking on our players.

If I get caught passing on the right side of the road, putting other motorists in danger, I expect to pay the price.

Hilarious.

By DirkDawggler

July 30, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

I’m in law enforcement and to say that anyone is being targeted is absurd. None of this would would have come to light if the individuals in question would not have been operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. It’s breaking the law, plain and simple. Hopefully, a lesson will be learned from this and those kids (it’s what they are) will use better judgement next time.

By Seth

July 30, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

My own experience with the ACC proved that they are a bunch of power-seeking jerks. No doubt they get off on bringing in athletes. In fact, there is likely some sort of “quota” on the number of football players that they must bring in each month.

When I was a student, I had some egotistical cop pull me over late one night on suspicion of DUI. Now I had been the sober driver that night and only had one 2 drinks over a 3 hour period. Still he hassled me on the side of the road for 30 minutes conducting a sobriety test and said I failed because I was insubordinate. He bragged the whole way to the station about me counting towards his DUI “quota”. But like I kept telling him, I wasn’t drunk and the breath-alizer test proved it. Then the a-hole had the nerve to encourage me to look into a future in law enforcement while he took me back to my car.

I’m telling you, these cops are looking to land a UGA player to boost their resumes. Why can’t they be normal people and provide warnings in the instances where no harm has been done.

By casual observer

July 30, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

It is embarrassing to see the AJC issue such a story. The news media shouldn’t be so blatant with their sensationalism. The questions at the end of the article could have come right out of a script for the Jerry Springer show.

By Ima Punkhater

July 30, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, the police are supposed to just overlook these spoiled, pampered, idolized, useless atheltic punks and only ticket honest working stiffs! Thats what they expect as spineless coaches,parents, and school admins have caved in to them all their useless lives.

Of course, the UGA morons who would sell their mother to win a game would forgive the pompus jock jerks if one of them pi**ed on their (fans) shoes.

By Police Officer

July 30, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Officer On Duty -

You better check Title 17 of the criminal code about display of license in lieu of bond. You are required by law to arrest anyone and make them post a bond for a traffic offense if they can not produce a valid license. In addition, it lists offenses such as DUI, etc. that require you to make an arrest whether or not they have a valid license or not.

Do officers sometimes disregard this particular law? Yes. However, it is done in violation of the code of criminal procedure.

It sounds like you need to review a little before you post false information.

A person driving with a suspended license, or no license, can not display a valid license in lieu of bond. Therefore, they go straight to jail no questions asked according to OCGA 17-6-11.

As far as the passing on the right citation, I imagine it means they drove off road to pass someone. i.e. probably up on a sidewalk. However, I could be wrong about that.

In addition, people need to stop perpetuating the myth that the left lane is passing only and that people must move over. They only have to move over if they are driving slower than the posted speed limit.

By Seth

July 30, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Whoa Chris…you need to chill out big buy. That kind of hate only makes things worse for everyone. Now I too think the “Reverend” Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are opportunist that misguide and misrepresent their race, but don’t feed the fire. Definitely there was a time when a black would be convicted without a trial, but those days are gone. The only convictions handed out early today are by the media. That said, the FBI doesn’t often indict unless there is some strong proof of guilt. That’s all I’m saying…

By GatorStud

July 30, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

I heard that Mark Richt is thinking of holding at least 1 weekly practice at the Clarke County jail due to all of his players that are constantly in the slammer. Is this true? If so, it would save time and money, since the team could eat prison food that night and also get a cheap place to sleep. Plus, Richt could work with the other cons on football strategy for their prison team.

By Police Officer

July 30, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Another question I’d like to pose to Chip and the readers of the AJC-

To get a suspended license as an adult, you have to:

1. Commit and get convicted of a serious traffic offense such as DUI.

2. Commit multiple traffic offenses to get a points violation suspension.

3. Get arrested for DUI and refuse implied consent/blow over the legal limit.

4. Fail to pay child support after repeated warnings.

5. In the old days, drive without insurance - now they suspend your tags.

6. Fail to appear on previous traffic charges.

All of these show an irresponsible person behind the wheel. They’ve had their license suspended and think they are “too good” to follow the rules or think they deserve an exception.

Why WOULDN’T you want these people to go to jail?

By Kdogg

July 30, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

This isnt just about football players. I was one of many fans last year ticketed for open container while ON campus. I just happened to cross a street. The officers were waiting for people to make the mistake and ticket them. No warning, just watched us do it then wrote up the ticket. I have been going to games for years and this has never been a ticketed offense. This act ALONE proves the city police dept is targeting the football program. I do not know what vendetta they have against the football program but it doesnt take much to realize how things have changed. As a student at UGA my apartment complex was targeted time and time again by auto break-ins. But the police dept refused to do anything about it. They were difficult and unwilling to help. Ask any student or alumni , I am sure there are tons of similar stories. But sure enough, come gameday or any situation involving a player and they are the most active police force in the nation. Its time someone does something about this!

By OrangeMan

July 30, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Those officers in Athens have a hard on for the UGA football players for some reason. Somebody needs to get to the bottom of why.

No, Officer on Duty, somebody should get to the bottom of why a police officer would pick and choose of who goes to jail or who doesn’t for committing the exact same offenses.

Pretty, blond female with no license? That’s OK babe, better run along. Yound black man with no license? That’s against the law, boy, you’re going to jail. The cops best friend’s son with no license? That’s Ok son, better get on home. Somebody from out of state with no license? That’s against the law, you’re going to jail.

You know the way it works, so quit your bi!chin’.

By Jeff

July 30, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

I am not doubting Chief Williamson intent. He probably has not ill feelings or intent towards UGA football players. His officers, no doubt in my mind, do treat the athletes(and frat boys) different than they treat others. It’s a fact. I saw it all the time in my UGA days. Others can say what they want to say, but I saw it.
The UGA football players are of no different “caliber” of person than UF, UT, Auburn, etc players. Does no one find it odd that this is the ONLY SEC school that is seeing football players being arrested? It’s a fact. These guys have a bullseye on their chops that the UGA campus police just love to bust.
Chief Williamson, you’re probably a decent fellow. Your officers are, for the most part, dweebs that have an exe to grind against athletes and the Greek system.

By Slobbered Onbydrunk

July 30, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

While you are writing tickets for these pampered and petted jocks how about writing tickets to these slobbering,foulmouthed, stumbling, mumbling,drink spilling on decent citizens, by jock wannabee rumheads!!!!

Now, that would be the ticket. Oh, thanks to the man who punched out one of these drunken immature morons at a game last year.

By godawg

July 30, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Driving with a suspended license or outstanding violations is wrong and not very smart. If you do it, be prepared to suffer the consequences. Pretty straightforward. Pay your fines, get your license in order and move on.

By jim

July 30, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Chip, what I would like to see is an investigation by you on both of these players to tell the whole story. By this I mean information that includes not only the police reports, but also statements from both of the players to get their version of what happened and why. I would also like to know more about the suspended license. Why they were suspended and if the players were even aware their license had been suspended. Also report on the effect this will have on them as the state of GA has different rules for different age groups under 21. Reporting the news from the police blotter is fine but if you had stated you would follow up to get all sides of the story plus background information that lead to this, I believe you approval rating would improve.

By Chris

July 30, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Funny how nobody could answer my question.

By ab

July 30, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

UGA aside, passing a car on the right should be a license-suspending crime in GA. If the police were to enforce this, as they do in Germany, we wouldn’t have morons driving 55 in the left lane everywhere.

By JAMES STEWART

July 30, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

driving a moped. I did not know u had to have a license to drive a moped and i bet king did not know. driving a bycycle with a small motor on it it would be insane to let hom get away with that crime. its ok to sell dope but dont drive a moped. u r a dangerour criminal and could cause a lot of harm to the public. let me walk accross the street and pick up some crack that guy need the money

By Kady

July 30, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

The real question which why Chip didn’t find out is…”why are the DL suspended?

By James

July 30, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

For all of you commentators who keep calling the UGA Police Officers “geeks” why don’t the “Greeks” and “Athletes” want to serve in law enforcement? Answer - because they are spoiled (both groups) and as usual they are kept by better men than themselves (usually working class, police officers from other agencies getting a degree or military veterans). Semper Fi!

By I-DOG

July 30, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

I haven’t read the responses yet, but this makes no sense:

It is like asking somebody… are you doing a good job? The answer, “yes I think I am doing a good job.”

Cream puff piece, no hard questions.

Do you think that this guy is going to tell you in an interview?… alright you caught us, we were targeting athletes.

I never took a journalism class, but wouldn’t a responsible follow up questions be:

Why are no other student athletes arrested at any of the other 100 universities for passing on the right, holding a cup of beer, riding a moped improperly? etc.. etc..?

How does Williamson explain that? Why isn’t that happening at Alabama, Georgia Tech, Penn State, Nebraska, Harvard? etc..

Why didn’t it happen 10 years ago in Athens?

If one of these things is not like the other, why isn’t it? Where is the intellectual curiosity from the writer in this story?

I don’t think this “Mayberry” approach to police work is from targeting athletes, I think it is from targeting UGA students in a college town to produce revenue.

How could it be anything else?

Chip, I like your work and appreciate the effort on this piece, but you didn’t go far enough. We know you just had a child so you are suffering from a lack of REM sleep.

I understand, just voicing my frustration that this guy is allowed to do what he is doing. Athens may now have a reputation for shoddy police work that is worse than Boulder Colorado and quite frankly is a laughing stock. Williams will have to live with that. Now, that would have been a hard hitting penetrating question!

By OutSideAgitator

July 30, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

duhhhh…..what gives here? Don’t break traffic law(s)…..ie wrong way on one way street and you won’t attract attention of LEO (LawEnforcEmentOfficer) and you wont get pulled over. If your license are good…along with your attitude and you may get off with a warning. These 2dudes got what they deserved. Iffin ur license are bad. DON’T…I REPEAT…DON’T DRIVE. Walk or catch the bus!!

By BAMADAWG

July 30, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

hey 74 dawg ,you hit it on the head.the biggest crooks on the street today is the guy with a badge. to much power. GOOO YOU HAIRY DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By I-DOG

July 30, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

apply the law fairly:

Wasn’t Hilton’s license suspended for drunk driving? Wasn’t she driving an actual car?

If that is/was the case with King, then I would say throw him off the team and throw the book at him.

I have never heard of anyone that I know get in any trouble for driving a moped. Not a single person that I have ever heard of.

He was driving a MOPED and being new to Athens went down a one way street by mistake. I have briefly turned down a one way street the wrong way once or twice in my life.

If alcohol had been involved (DUI), this would have been a front page AJC story for two weeks and he would already have been kicked off the team. Obviously it wasn’t.

By Chip Towers

July 30, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

I’m surprised Florida fans would be on here dissing on the legal problems of Georgia players. As you all well know, some of the Gators’ players have incurred much more serious charges in recent months. Let’s keep in perspective that, with the Bulldogs, we’re talking about suspended licenses, open containers and underage possession. Not sure that qualifies as a team discipline problem… .

And Jim, the players have been advised not to talk to reporters about their situations and an individuals’ driving record is not subject to public record. If it was, we’d certainly check it out… .

FWIW, Chief Williamson was telling me how one of UGA’s off-duty cops got ticketed by another UGA cop not too long ago.

By Dawg88

July 30, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Mr. Towers:

The fact that you look at the jail log everyday proves that you are indeed looking for a story filled with controversy.

It still amazes me that sensationalizing controversy is the news media’s goal instead of positive stories.

Do you honestly also call UGA everyday and ask about any good things happening on campus…more than likely…no!

Its a sad testimony on society and the media that controversy sells more than anything else. Traffic violations seem to be a big headline instead of the upcoming season.

Once again…everytime you go looking into the jail records proves that you are looking for negative stories on purpose. Can’t you be more creative and find your own stories.

These minor violations do lead many to assume that Dawgs program is out of sorts…which I believe is your goal.

You cannot say that its not because too often, what follows your report on traffic violations? Polls that ask…”Is the UGA football program out of control?” Why do those polls if that wasn’t your goal?

Is the police department targeting UGA players? I don’t know. We need someone to investigate how often the ACC or UGA police arrest the public at large for the same offenses.

If there is evidence that the arrests are not proportional. Then you’ve really got a story! Hey…there you go! Why don’t you investigate and do that story?

Would that take too much effort? That would be true investigative reporting. You didn’t end conspiracy theories with this article today. You enhanced it!

You did not investigate to see if the chief’s words were true in proportion to the public at large. Find out…then we’ll get a more true picture.

God Bless!!

By Keith Helms

July 30, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

The police handled both cases correctly. Both of these players knew they were committing 2 crimes. Yes anyone who is caught driving on a suspended or revoked license should be booked and checked out and post bond. Any student under 21 caught drinking alcohol should also be booked and have their bond posted by their parents or guardian only. Any student over 21 who furnishes alcohol to underage drinkers should face a felony charge and suspended from school far at least 1 full year. If any thing, athletes should be held to a higher standard since 90% of the time they commit crimes thinking they will get by because they are athletes.

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

July 30, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

WOW, some angry, frustrated people reading the UGA section. I always found it interesting that some people at UGA, who hated football and the so called special treatment of players, didn’t mind the facilities, teachers, programs, ect. that the millions of dollars UGA sports brought to the school and city helped pay for. I hope I don’t get thrown in jail for passing on the right or for drinking that sinful beer. Pleeeeez don’t throw me in jail…. Pleeeeeez don’t

The arrests made this year are, for the most part, stupid and petty. The arrests are for minor in possession and petty traffic violations(suspended license). Jail time? gimme a break. Barney Fife we need you! At least he let Otis sleep it off without arresting him. Maybe the AC and UGA police need to invest in some theropy to get over their inferiority complexes.

AJC, I know you have to report these misdemeanors, and I am glad that you do. I really liked that the latest, “Bulldog TE Ward jailed after traffic stop”, was put in perspective and not sensationalized. The story was just 2 or 3 paragraqhs stating the facts. Well done. I hope a little more followup is done on the policing of Athens/UGA. In the 90’s, when I was in school, police definitly exercised much more leaniancy and judgement with regards to me and my freinds. I was not an UGA athlete nor were any of my friends. I partied underage. I was pulled over for minor traffic violations. I was only issued one ticket for speeding. The rest were “pour that out and go home”, “I’ll write you a warning, be more careful”, ect. Believe it or not, I am gainfully employed, and I don’t have a rap sheet. How did I ever make it?

Chip, congratulations on your new baby. Happy fatherhood.

By Target Students

July 30, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

The UGA police officers continuously target all students. I have been to numerous functions over the last several years and noticed that students are targeted by UGA police officers.

When an officer can make a high profile arrest for minimum driving infractions they enjoy the publicity it brings.

I beleive they need to focus on keeping the campus safe for all students.

By Chip

July 30, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

right argument…WRONG target. The police do not have a choice. Driving on a suspended license is a MANDATORY bondable offense.

As a Jacket fan, it doesn’t bother me. As a taxpayer, it is ridiculous that we use our resources in such a manner for traffic offenses.

You should have targeted the legislature with this article.

By I-DOG

July 30, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

nascar fan and David:

Amen brothers. I personally don’t have a problem with the AJC printing the stories or feel like athletes are necessarily being targeted, but passing on the right?

Has anyone on this board EVER heard of a guy getting pulled over, let alone ticketed AND ARRESTED for passing on the right?

I’m sure someone knows of somebody who was drunk and going 100 MPH who got arrested for passing on the right. But does anyone really have a similar story?

By I-DOG

July 30, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Ronny:

which rules does tech follow? You do know that georgia tech is currently on NCAA probation for BREAKING THE RULES don’t you?

Calling the Sun the Moon, does not make it so.

By I-DOG

July 30, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

If all this is standard procedure Why haven’t we read a single article on any of the 100 other college campus’ around the country (including the state of GA) where these things happen. I live out of the Region and have NEVER read an article or heard of an athlete anywhere else get arrested for this piddly stuff.

Can you honestly tell yourself that nobody drinks in public over 21 or under 21 at the University of TX or Stanford? Is there another place where a football player would be suspended for passing on the right?

Please name the University and college town so that I can research the article and I will be persuaded to your point of view.

It isn’t that the police are targeting athletes. It is a “Mayberry” mentality to arrest students for minor offenses in Athens to PRODUCE MORE REVENUE.

Would a 50 year old doctor with an open container such as Blake Barnes have been arrested in Athens? Not game day, but middle of Summer? Of course not, they would raise holy H*ll. Barnes is over 21 just like the 50 year old doctor, but is a student who just has to pay the fine and move on with their life.

By I-DOG

July 30, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

P-Dawg in Tulsa:

Your in the Southwest.

Would any students or football players get arrested at any of the Universities in that area for having an open container, riding a moped, or passing on the right?

Would value your perspective. I’m guessing that anyone in TX or OK would laugh if they saw this happening in Athens and shake their heads.

By davidc

July 30, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

I thought Chief Williamson’s comments were interesting. However, what a joke, he has been targeting athletes for years!

By jim

July 30, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Crime and Punishment depend on who you are:

Bill Janklow, a blunt-spoken political titan from South Dakota, will serve 100 days in a county jail for the death of a motorcyclist who slammed into his speeding car last August.

Circuit Judge Rodney Steele sentenced him to 100 days in jail and three years of probation for his conviction on charges of second-degree manslaughter, speeding, running a stop sign and reckless driving.

The charges could have carried as much as 10 years in prison. But after listening to a parade of defense witnesses testify about Janklow’s character and contributions to the community, Steele opted not to impose a lengthy prison sentence.

If Janklow completes his probation without incident, the conviction will be removed from his record. Steele also said that after serving the first 30 days of his sentence, Janklow will be allowed to leave jail periodically to perform community service.

He was also ordered to pay more than $5,000 in fines and court costs, and he will not be allowed to drive during his probationary period.

Janklow, who will serve his sentence at a detention center in nearby Sioux Falls, was ordered to report to jail on February 7.

According to police, Janklow was behind the wheel of his Cadillac on August 16 when he ran a stop sign at a rural intersection about 10 miles south of Flandreau. Scott, who was riding his motorcycle home from his father-in-law’s 80th birthday party, crashed into the side of Janklow’s car and was killed.

Prosecutors said Janklow — who had boasted about his lead-foot driving in the past — was going at least 70 mph in a 55 mph zone at the time of the collision. He suffered head, hand and leg injuries in the accident.

At a news conference before the trial, Janklow said he “couldn’t be sorrier” about the accident, but he bristled at reporters who questioned him about his driving record, which included 13 traffic citations since 1990.

By The Truth

July 30, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

The UGA keystone cops are truly outstanding. Thanks for keeping our streets safe boyz. Why don’t you GBI wanna bees spend more time around the parking decks and dorms arresting people for urinating in public than harrASSing our athletes. AD Evans and Coach Richt need to have a come to Jesus meeting with Deputy Fife, I mean chief Williamson and tell them to BACK OFF. That is what papa Bowden would do. Looks like the campus PoPo is racial profiling, but err I forgot, they busted 2 white homies for drinking beer. What do you morons think goes on in college? Oh, I forgot, you probably just received your GED in the mail. Word has it that Stafford is numero uno on their hit list. Maybe #7 should watch the Bourne Ultimatum this weekend just in case he needs a quick exit strategy. War Dawgs!

By A Grandmother

July 30, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

What I just can’t understand is the difference in our campus police and those of the other SEC schools. All I ask for is a level playing field.. not damaging publicity for our football department. Aren’t there more important arrests that the two mentioned here? Give us a break!

By anonymous

July 30, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Just spent last weekend in Athens. Had a couple of thoughts about law enforcement there…

First, without the students there, Athens really is a small town. Same number of cops are there, even though the town has roughly 40,000 less people. The football players are there all summer.

Second, football players stand out. I saw a special teams player (who shall remain nameless) walking into a bar and thought to myself, “Man, I hope he’s 21.” I got a text about NaDerris Ward being arrested for traffic violations 3 minutes later. Although totally unrelated, it reinforced my first two thoughts.

Third, on Sunday afternoon at 3 pm, I pulled over on the side of East Campus Road behind the stadium, turned on my hazards, and ran up to see which gate had the big, brick “G” that I bought a brick in a few years ago. I’ve never seen it.

When I turned around after the two minutes (literally) that I spent looking through the gate, an officer from A-CC PD was behind my car with his lights on. He didn’t ask if I was okay. He didn’t ask if he could help me. His first words were, “You can’t park in the street.” I responded by explaining that I thought it would be okay to leave my car in the bicycle lane for a couple of minutes while I ran up to see if I could see the brick that I had purchased. He responded with, “You can’t park in the bicycle lane. Don’t you know it’s for bicycles?”

Now, he was correct. However, he was a complete smart a$$, which truly was unnecessary. Keep in mind that I’m 35 years old and was wearing scrubs with a St. Mary’s Hospital ID badge on since I was working at the hospital that weekend.

He didn’t ticket me, but as I drove away, I was really angry that he couldn’t have been more cooperative and polite. I can’t help but think that those guys (and women) in the A-CC PD do get sick and tired of dealing with drunk college kids. At the same time, I just can’t help but wonder how that guy must treat a 20-year-old football player if he treated me, a 35-year-old physician driving a 4-door Honda Accord at 3 pm on a Sunday afternoon in July, like a juvenile delinquent.

My guess is that summer-time in Athens is going to continue to be a time of multiple arrests for our football team. The football players stand out, there are 30 or 40,000 less students to occupy the police force, and the police there sem to assume the worst first (which is probably unavoidable due to the nature of dealing with college students 9 months a year).

Just my random thoughts…

By To Anonymous

July 30, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Let’s see…

You choose to break the law because you think it is ok for you to park wherever you please for a few minutes. You conveniently throw out that you’re a “physician” from St. Mary’s as if you deserve some special privelege.

You then belittle the officer because he tells you and I quote, “You can’t park in the bicycle lane. Don’t you know it’s for bicycles?” What is the problem with that statement?

You were inconvenienced by the officer. Even though he had the courtesy to give you a warning, you then feel obligated to come on here and bad-mouth him.

Yes, that’s real class.

By jbird

July 30, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Towers says they review the Athens-Clarke Co. jail log to see if any faculty, coach or player has been reported. I don’t believe it. I am sure that there is at least one faculty at UGA who has been pulled over without a license. Either the Athens PD is inconsistently jailing its citizens driving without a license, or the AJC is inconsistently reporting those UGA people who have been reported.

By Rich

July 30, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

No matter how you put it, they broke the law and they got what was due them. The UGA police as well as ACCPD are not out to get anyone in particular. They are out to get those that break the law. If you have a problem with the law write your congressman. If you get drunk and act like an idiot while tailgating you should get arrested too. UGA is the only school I’ve been too where I’ve see fans of the same team fighting each other. It’s worse than U Of Miami.

By Clay

July 30, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

All these people are upset about is that they met a cop right after they broke the law. If you’re big enough to break the law, you ought to be able to stand up and take your punishment. The cops didn’t write the laws—your elected officials did. There is a serious lack of accountability in today’s society. That’s why kids are growing up to be worthless thugs with a sense of entitlement. Those of you who defend them—especially if they’re your kids—are just enablers. May you reap what you sow.

By CapeCodDawg

July 30, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

Dear Chris. Your a MORON

As a “Darky” I take umbrage with your description of our race. You, on the other hand, have in many minds either represented yours perfectly or embarrassed it…either way suicide is a solution.

I freely admit that Al Sharpton is complete joke and that Jessie Jackson shakes down organizations in lieu of bad publicity,but crappy as they are they are our “gatekeepers” for now. But using your logic I could say alot about the Presidents past and present,and this one’s whole staff and the fact that they have spied on US citizens illegally,lied about the war causing many deaths that are stacking up daily… as well as numerous other people of your persuasion (World Com,Solomon Smith Barney,Halliburton etc.) I mean that argument is weak. I don’t paint whole races with a broad brush. It appears that you do. Try taking that large brush and brush your hillbilly tooth with it. I’m not too impressed with white history as it relates to Black America…at the same time, I’m not overly impressed with Black America’s handling of our opportunities…but the change can’t be done in a couple of generations. Just for once! respect the differences this country was founded on and stop pointing fingers; you’ll be surprised at how many interesting people in the world don’t look like you Go Bulldogs!!!!!!!!!!

By altimeter

July 30, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Dear anonymous, Agree wholeheartedly…with ‘to anonymous’. You were not in a parking place, blocking a bike lane (news flash…Athens is full of bicyclists!!!) and you thought you were hassled, even though you were in scrubs and are a physician. I thank you for your well compensated service to your fellow man, but how about growing a pair and admitting you were in the wrong! Besides the fact that you didn’t get a ticket in the first place, which would lead me to believe that perhaps your ‘scrubsuit’ did, in fact, cause you to receive preferential treatment, which, on an entirely different note, irritates the heck out of me.

By anonymous

July 30, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

I am very sorry that my email was misinterpreted.

1. I didn’t choose to break the law. I didn’t know it was against the law to pull over to the side of the road if there is no yellow curb or no sign designating an area as no parking. I certainly won’t be making the same mistake again. I don’t want to put anyone in danger.

2. I do not want special privileges (you spelled it incorrectly above) because I am a physician. I would like to be treated with courtesy. That was the point of my post. I didn’t belittle anyone. I was extremely polite to the officer.

3. It wasn’t what he said, it was how he said it. I understand that he was doing his job, but I treated him respectfully and would have hoped for the same. I was just surprised at his negative, sarcastic attitude.

4. I’m not badmouthing an officer. If you re-read my post, I wasn’t complaining that he stopped to question me and wouldn’t have argued with a ticket if I broke the law. I was pointing out that I didn’t fit the “profile” of someone making trouble, yet was treated as if I were a rowdy college student.

5. My point was that I was treated in a manner that was less than respectful, and that I couldn’t have looked like I was up to “no good.” It just makes me wonder how all college students, not just athletes, are treated my law enforcement in Athens. I stated in my initial email that the problem is probably unavoidable, due to the nature of working with college students. The officers there face unique challenges that make their jobs much more difficult in many ways.

6. Thank you for your feedback.

By Michael

July 30, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

No doubt the football players committed a violation. The question is. Are they applied equally to the student population? Probably not.

By Sick and Tired

July 30, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Ok, you people amaze me. I’ve read everything from the cops are out to get the football players to they should let them go for “minor” things like these kids were ticketed for, to the cops are out of control on game days. Guess what people don’t break the law and the cops won’t interact with you. I’m 56, an alumni of UGA and been going to games since the Dawgs wore silver helmets for god’s sake. I’ve never been stopped by a cop on gameday, never been given a ticket on gameday and certainly never arrested on gameday and I’ve done more than my share of drinking on gameday. Get real and admit that these kids screwed up. They’re not going to do hard time for it, but be honest with yourself, the only reason you’re upset is that they “might” miss playing in a game. It’s people with that attitude that give college athletics a bad name for wanting to “cut the stud some slack.”

By Eddie

July 30, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

By to Anonymous,Im real surprised that you didn’t blast him out for misspeling seem like all you bloggers like to do.I have always appreciated and respected law officers and taught my kids not to even call them cops out of respect.But it is very unfortunate what that badge does to some of them.And yes I’m glad that some of them does use some discretion.And by the way Doc I appreciate what you Doctors have to go thru to become a Doctor.I got the point you were trying to make unlike this other (probably) jealous person. PLEASE someone tell me if I misspelled something where I can sleep tonight.

By Buford

July 30, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Football boyz are easy targets.

By anonymous

July 30, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

One more point, just to clarify…

I’m not defending any football player who has been arrested in Athens. Thankfully I don’t even know how a driver’s license gets suspended, but I’ve known since I turned 16 that you can’t drive without one.

I just realized this weekend that over the summer in Athens, there are a lot of officers to patrol an area with a fraction of the number of people who are normally there. I was just pointing out that, in my mind, that greatly increases the chances you’ll be caught if you do something that you should not. Furthermore, at least in my experience, you are not going to get much benefit of the doubt from officers that are conditioned to deal with drunk college students.

By Rooster

July 30, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

As a former police officer and UGA police officer, I can vouch for the Chief’s consistency and fairness (as well as UGAPD in general). As a matter of course, a suspended license will get bonded - no exceptions. It should be raising eyebrows in the athletic department that so many of their players cannot obey simple traffic laws and have operated moving vehicles so dangerously in the past that it necessitated suspension of their driving privileges.

By mike

July 30, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

If you are upset with the way Athens Police are acting, tell the police chief’s boss. Mayor Heidi Davison 235 Wells Drive Athens, GA 30606 Phone Numbers: (706) 546-9643 (h) / (706) 613-3010 (w) E-mail: mayor@athensclarkecounty.com

By To Anonymous

July 30, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Thank you for pointing out my misspelled word. I wasn’t sure but didn’t want to take the time to look it up. It really changes my whole argument.

I’m calling you out on the whole, “I didn’t know it was illegal” argument. You didn’t know it was illegal for you to park and leave your car in the middle of a bike lane to go look at bricks? In addition, bike lanes aren’t very wide. Therefore, unless there was some huge divider between the street and the bike lane, you were also blocking part of the travel lane for vehicles. I was a UGA student and know that the lanes aren’t very wide so I’m fairly certain you were blocking part of the travel lane.

Even if it wasn’t illegal, it is common sense that you can’t just stop any where you please. If you believe that you can, then perhaps you need to retake the driving test. However, I’m willing to bet you thought to yourself, “It is summer. There aren’t very many people. It will be ok for me to stop here for a minute.”

I’m willing to bet you played off the same ignorance with the officer. This is probably why you got the sarcastic response.

By To Anonymous

July 30, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

I forgot to address another issue:

Bad Mouthing

“However, he was a complete smart a$$, “

“he treated me, a 35-year-old physician driving a 4-door Honda Accord at 3 pm on a Sunday afternoon in July, like a juvenile delinquent.”

“I was really angry that he couldn’t have been more cooperative and polite”

No. I don’t know where I ever got the idea you were bad mouthing the officer. I think those were all compliments I misinterpreted.

By 2N4YEARS

July 30, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

OK Rooster Robocop. How do you know that “operated moving vehicles so dangerously in the past that it necessitated suspension of their driving privileges” was the reason they had their ‘driving privileges’ revoked?? To enlighten you, the laws are a LOT tougher these days compared to even 10 years ago —especially with people under 21. In fact, I believe one of these guys hadn’t paid a ticket yet (wow, know that’s dangerous). The other was riding a scooter. Mr Robocop, you’d just better hope that no one gets raped or worse while these Barney’s are pulling over guys on scooters and spending 2-3 hours hauling them to jail off the streets while the real crimes go on.

By Wake me up Sep. 1st

July 30, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Zzzzzz…god the season can’t get here soon enough.

By Mikel

July 30, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

“Sir, do you know why I stopped you? You were doing 86 MPH in a 35 MPH zone and you hit that little old lady on the corner. May I see your drivers license please? Oh? You don’t have one? And why is that sir? Oh! You are a Bulldog football player! I’m sorry, SIR! It must have been that old lady’s fault for not standing 3 feet from the edge of the road!”

Enough said!

By Rob

July 30, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Blake Barnes getting cited for walking from his house, the the house next door with an open container. How does that happen? The cop just ‘happened’ to be driving through and saw that? What a crock. Wrong is wrong and I’m not trying to say that these guys should get away with whatever they want, but to say that the cops don’t have it in for the players.. there’s just too much conincidence in some of these arrests for that to be true.

By Pepper Rogers

July 30, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

What’s the charge for ‘spooning’? Seems the UGAG F* have a lot of that going on.

By Scott

July 30, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

Hey Police Officer,

If they only have to move out of the left lane if they are driving under the speed limit, then why doesn’t the sign say that? The signs state “slower traffic keep right” or “left lane for passing only”. Where does it mention the speed limit. I might be speeding, but if can stay in one lane without having to go around some jackass, it’s a lot safer than someone impeding the flow of traffic by going too slow in the left lane. Either the law makers and sign makers are wrong, or the law enforcer is wrong. Someone needs to get you guys together and figure it out.

By anonymous

July 30, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

You are absolutely correct.

I was blocking part of the travel lane, but there was a turn lane there as well, so I thought that there was plenty of room to get around me. You are also absolutely correct that I didn’t think it would matter much on a Sunday afternoon in the summer. However, as I stated previously, I won’t make the same mistake in the future on the UGA campus. Again, I would not have argued had I received a ticket.

At the time, I considered it no different than pulling over to the side of the road to read a map, to run a package or letter to someone’s door, to take care of my son in the back seat, to show a passenger something memorable to me from my days on the UGA campus, or to take care of any other business that I feel is unsafe while driving. You haven’t read my previous posts… I realize that I should not stop my car there in the future. It was an error in judgment. However, I do feel that I realize that I can’t stop my car “anywhere I please.” I wasn’t in the middle of I-75.

Regardless, that wasn’t at all my point. That officer was completely justified in addressing me. He was just rather unprofessional.

I used the phrase “smart a$$” to convey the tone of the officer’s comments, since that is often difficult to convey in type. I see how it was interpreted as bad mouthing. I thought that would best convey his tone, but I see now that using that phrase distracted from the point I was trying to make and my own credibility.

Thanks again.

By Dave

July 30, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

I remember years ago when the SAE’s at Georgia were suspended for burning a car parked in front of their fraternity house - among other things. UGA kids have this attitude that they are above the law. Arrest ‘em for anything at any time and and book ‘em Dano. Lawless thugs need a little jail time no matter who they are. Bunch of under age drunks with no license and date rape in the back of their minds …

By jim

July 30, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Hey Chip we beat this horse long enough. What we going to talk about tomorrow? Maybe; what if DJ had started as a freshman how would he compare with MS?

By kerry

July 30, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

He’s wrong. I’m in law enforcement and there is no law that says you have to lock someone up for a suspended license in Georgia. My agency usually writes a citation for it and tows their vehicle. They then have to appear in court on the charge.

By Gen Neyland

July 30, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Dear ACCPD & UGA Police Dept.,

I’m writig to tell you that you’re doing a bang up job protecting ALL UGA students and the good citizens of Clarke County from themselves. Keep up the good work. Now, in October, the U of GA travels to Knoxville to play Tennessee. If, by some wild chance, UT is favored by 2, please keep an eagle eye on CoUTu the week prior to this game. Any offense you could get him on would be greatly appreciated, especially if the offense would bar him from traveling on that specific Saturday in October. Again, thanks for all you do.

Gen Neyland

By Sherraye

July 30, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

I would like to know what the heck Michael Vick has to do with this story. You people with all your slick comments about Vick don’t even know what you’re talking about. Let me explain a basic principle of the law…Vick is INNOCENT unless he is proven BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT that he is guilty. So you can keep all your stupid comments to yourself. You don’t even know anything about him. Just a bunch of simple minded idiots.

By IBDawgfan82

July 31, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

Jimmy “Clancy Wiggum” Williamson left out one important fact…that police have something called “discretion” and the power to exercise it. Taking a kid to jail for these trivial charges is a waste of police time and effort, as well as a huge unnecessary embarrassment to the kid. Stop trying to play Barney Fife and do some real police work.

By FireMichealAdams

July 31, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

I wonder why is this Sexual Deviant talking about equality in making arrests? Jimmy Williamson is the one who made headlines when he got investigated by internal affairs for making racial remarks on one of its black officers, and kept semi-nude pictures on his computer of a former female officer who was a model at one time. This goof among others in that department are the main reasons why the UGA Police department should be dismantled. They rarely show up on time when a break-in occurs. I waited 15 minutes after the 911 call, 2 minutes to talk to the operator and 15 minutes for them to show up and when they do show up, they act inpatient and rude while taking statements. This stems from a personal experience from one of their white barbie officers. She was totally indifferent and acted as if I was the reason why she can’t take off on time. She kept looking at her watch as if she had somewhere important to go and had the expression of a sour beer face the whole time she was there. Yet when it comes to arresting Football Players with minor traffic offense to make headlines, they dive into it and alerts the media for doing so. Also, I’ve read that they recently fired one of their Officers for ALLEDGELY breaking private property, when no formal proof was evident. I wouldn’t be surprised if this officer was black. I cannot believe my tuition is going to these bums who was suppose to protect me, yet my belongings are still not recovered nor a follow up call was made by any of them. The only protection I need is against these campus gustapos and not the other way around.

By shane

July 31, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this

well put general,maybe we dog fans should have rented ainge a car to use in athens last year.to all students present and future at uga. be advised that the screws are tightened. my daughter and i went to athfest in june,and we felt the overwhelming presence of police to be oppressive,and i am a middle aged white man. i think the uga police and the acc police are working hand in hand with adams to end uga’s reputation as a party school. to all anal ocd bloggers,do not bother to correct my spelling,i know how to spell,i just can’t type.

By Eddie

July 31, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this

Great blog Scott.Left lane drivers follow the signs please!Its bad when a police officer earlier tryed to say its ok to drive in the left lane.I had heard all my life that its a passing lane maybe that term is wrong.

By Brandon

July 31, 2007 2:38 AM | Link to this

University police ‘target’ everybody, so there is bound to be a football player in trouble every now and then. I got a $90 ticket by a University motorcycle cop a few weeks ago. As I was making a turn out of a road and he was turning in, he said that I went over the yellow line “a little bit” and that “it really (wasn’t) a big deal” but proceeded to write the ticket anyway instead of a warning. I was even being extra careful at the time because I had already seen three other cars pulled over on this one mile stretch of highway down River Road. I think they were literally looking for reasons to write a ticket that day at that time. What their motivation for maniacally writing a lot of tickets at once is, I have no idea… But I have met Chief Williamson personally, and he seems to be a very sensible and nice guy.

By Brandon

July 31, 2007 2:39 AM | Link to this

University police ‘target’ everybody, so there is bound to be a football player in trouble every now and then. I got a $90 ticket by a University motorcycle cop a few weeks ago. As I was making a turn out of a road and he was turning in, he said that I went over the yellow line “a little bit” and that “it really (wasn’t) a big deal” but proceeded to write the ticket anyway instead of a warning. I was even being extra careful at the time because I had already seen three other cars pulled over on this one mile stretch of highway down River Road. I think they were literally looking for reasons to write a ticket that day at that time. What their motivation for maniacally writing a lot of tickets at once is, I have no idea… But I have met Chief Williamson personally, and he seems to be a very sensible and nice guy.

By Lee

July 31, 2007 6:21 AM | Link to this

I am a middle aged man, approaching senior status, who has been around long enough to know that there is the letter of the law and there is the intent of the law. For example, the letter of the law says you must come to a complete stop at a STOP sign. The intent of the law was to prevent people from blowing through an intersection at 50mph and killing someone. However, in order to boost revenue, we have police who stake out a 4-way stop trying to nail someone rolling through the intersection at 3mph.

I know Athens is a college town which presents problems different that your run of the mill small town. However, I have been to other college towns and I have friends who attend other major universities who do not seem to have the problems with over zealous law enforcement that Athens seems to have.

I am a parent of a former UGA student and I have heard all the horror stories - of kids who get put in jail for the most minor of offenses. Offenses, which would not get a second look at any other town in Ga.

And God, don’t get me started on the parking Nazi’s….

That’s why I say, Athens treats the UGA student as a cash cow. Don’t beleive me, look up in the Yellow Pages under attorney. Then look up attorney in Rome Ga, which has THREE colleges and an cumulative student body the same size as UGA, but doesn’t go ape sh1t over putting them in jail. Big difference. There is a reason for that.

If you have a student at UGA, you need to tell them that the cops are not their friend. The cops look at your student and see a way to make their quota and $$$ signs.

That’s why I say:

Never get between a cop and a $100 bill. You’ll lose every time.

By catlady

July 31, 2007 6:25 AM | Link to this

I don’t think they are targeted. I have lived in Athens for 5 years and seen how the “cards” are played when there is an arrest.

Thank God for the Athens and UGA police. If they are being too strict, KEEP IT UP!

By p

July 31, 2007 6:48 AM | Link to this

I think athletes should be treated like other student. that being said, UGA should imediately replace the top police official, and completely overhaul the campus police force.

i think a taste of Valdosta in the summer should be a nice change of pace for teh captain.

By Gen Neyland

July 31, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

shane

This isn’t a final exam. Those that point out typos in the blogosphere are telling us that’s all they have in response…like water off a ducks back, let it roll…

By JDW

July 31, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

Any other college town in America—this would be a non issue—what do U thinking goes on @gt, auburn, s. car, tenn, uf, and alabama—they do not have a campus police chief or officers that dont like any one—especially UGA athletes…lets make UGA a city of its own and get away for the current police chief and also get away from Athens-Clarke county and their attitude toward the University

By Marsh Dawg

July 31, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this

The AJC is to blame for the bad pub as much as the player who got the ticket. Stop printing stories on everyday, routine traffic arrests involving UGA athletes. Don’t see you running stories on soccer moms, firemen, nurses, etc. Give Dawg Nation and UGA a break!!!

By Ima Spoiled Punk

July 31, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

Do not correct me when I break a law. I have permissive parents who live in a “whats in it for me” permissive society. I want self gratification even if it endangers honest, decent citizens.

I am also a dumb as a rock sports fan who can not name the president of UGA much less the governor of Ga.

By AJ GREEN WEARS #1

July 31, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Love the comments about UGA athletes getting free Apartments,Cars, etc. Answer me this then. Why was Caleb King on a Moped? Is that some Freshman joke? Gotta have a Moped before ya get tha Benz! A moped!

By AltamahaDawg

July 31, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

read the story folks, it was passing cars on the right side on a 2 lane road. I dont suggest any of you that claim to regularly do that, complain too much if that gets the policeman’s attention.

By Big Dawg

July 31, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

General

Great post way to go in lightening things up.

By masivatack

July 31, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Some guy posted…

You did something against the law to get your license suspended… the suspended license is called Your Punishment.

Actually, you can have your liscense suspended for umpteen hundred reasons nowadays. If you switch insurance companies without notifying your old company, within 10 days, they can suspend your license for 3 months.

How stupid is that.

The problem is, our government and citizens has become way to focused on punishing people for such trivial matters. 99% of people are decent and law abiding, but that 1% is enough for us to punish everyone.

Cops for the most part are underpaid, have to much power, and generally have a chip on their shoulder. They are looking to bust people for whatever they can. And they don’t even need an education. I say make them complete at least 2 years of a college and pay them more so that it is a more competitive job market. Can you imagine the positive impact that would have on our judicial system. There is no reason to have 19-20 year olds just out of high school roaming the streets with guns and something to prove, and the authority to walk over peoples rights.

Pardon my rant, I understand this is a bulldog blog, but the whole suspended license thing ticks me off because, it’s more attributed to insurance companies than people know. This is coming from someone who has lost their license while committing absolutely no crime. Luckily I had a ride to work, or I would have been in real trouble.

By masivatack

July 31, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

And officer rooster,

Why should it raise eyebrows that 18 year olds aren’t totally safe and proficient drivers?

Thats why cops get very little respect… Because they show none.

By John

July 31, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

you GUYS ARE ALL MORONS. I can not stop laughing at reading the articles this morning and hearing the top dawg himself Mark Richt say, ” we are a year or two away” HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM been hearing that for about 30 years now havent we dawg fans. Never ceases to amaze me. Oh and the pictures and videos of all the idiots barking is just classic. I love the dawg nation. There is not a more idiotic, laughable fan base in the entire country!!!!!!!!

By shane

July 31, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

my point exactly general,had i my college career to do over,i would major in spanish and minor in typing. it seems that those skills would be the most useful today. my advice to uga players,most cars have rear view mirrows,please use them. it’s no wonder barnes and chandler were never starters,how can you spot a reciever downfield or adjust to the football and make the catch if you can’t spot a cop car in your own parking lot? when i was young i could spot a cop car a mile away!

By AltamahaDawg

July 31, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Cops are rude, ticket traps, the mans out to get us, parking is a bitc$, gas prices are killing me, and that Fred Davidson is trying to kill all my drinking fun……..opps….sorry… must have flashed back 25 yrs ago.

By joe

July 31, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Just because a few players break the law by driving on susupending licenses, most UGA fans are in an uproar about the police targeting their players. LMAO!!! However, it will be even funnier when the pups start off 0-2 on their way to a losing record. MARK IT DOWN!!!

By AltamahaDawg

July 31, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

No, John, I dont recall hearing that for 30 yrs now. I really don’t. I have heard all the dawg rivals try to attribute us saying that, but I havent heard the Bulldawg fans themselves actually saying that. By the way there have been several years during that time frame when we were really close, but as you know, it takes a turn of events to work out. Also, at least quote the man accurately.

And come on, not a more laughable, and idiotic fan based in the country…the country? Hmmmm. more like not a more laughable and idiotic statement. I take it you werent trying to make any legitamate point, because that was simply a copy of what 50 other clowns come up with each week in here. Couldn’t even come up with anyting original huh? Good one. Really zinged us there.

By Police Officer

July 31, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Kerrie,

If you are a police officer, you better review your GA Code. The relevant code section was posted. Show me another code section that says you can release a driver without a valid license without posting a cash bond. When you release them, you put on the citation, “License displayed in lieu of bail.” How can you release someone in lieu of bail when they don’t have said VALID license? You can’t. The law requires you to arrest them.

If you don’t believe me, read the back of a violator’s copy. It says:

“A LICENSE MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN LIEU OF BAIL FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFENSES:” i.e. They are arrested and post a cash bond.

Guess what offense #11 is? Driving on a suspended or revoked license.

Do not think that just because “we do it all the time” it is legal or right. Agencies and police make mistakes all the time. If your agency is not arresting those offenses, it IS in violation of the law.

As far as “Slower Traffic Keep Right Signs”:

The posted speed limit in Georgia is ABSOLUTE. This means it is illegal for you to exceed that speed limit by even 1 mile per hour. Therefore, the “Slower Traffic Keep Right” is referring to vehicles travelling slower than the posted speed limit. They do not have a duty to move over if they are going the speed limit. However, as a courtesy and to prevent road rage, it is the best thing to do.

The impeding the flow of traffic code section even says that you only have to move over if you are under the posted speed limit if driving in the left lane.

By gator the dog catcher

July 31, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Percy Harvin rides around with Tim Tebow all of the time on mopeds down one way streets. I guess the Gainesville police just let them slide since we won a National Championship. I’m sure it was ok to ride your moped through Athens back in 1980. Somewhere around 1987 or so, cops got tired of not having a NC and started sticking it to them. Can you blame them, it has been a long time.

Just kidding of course. It does sound pretty picky to me with the exception of the suspended liscenses. Those two saved the boosters some money …….at least for now.

By gator the dog catcher

July 31, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Chip, I don’t give you props nearly as much as I should for your articles, but this one was a great idea. Congrats on fatherhood! You can earn brownie points with your wife if you tell her that you will watch the baby all day on Saturdays this fall (they tend to sleep alot at this age). If you are watching the baby, then there will be no way that you can leave the livingroom (or TV)!

By I-DOG

July 31, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

By Police Officer:

We all understand that it is technically illegal to drive one mile over the speed limit, but that is where discretion on the part of the police comes into play.

I don’t live in Georgia, but if I got pulled over for going 47 in a 45 where I live, I’d be shocked first and foremost and then very upset. Technically, I was breaking the law, but that is not the real world.

On 285 in Atlanta every day the speed limit is 55 (I believe) and hundreds of thousands of motorist routinely go 65 or more. Are there tens of thousdands of tickets issued every day to these drivers? No.

The Atlanta police use common sense and discretion. Everyday in EVERY college community students drink (some under 21), just like speeding it is a law broken by millions every day.

A 21 year has an open container? Not hurting anyone, reasonably sober enough to walk on home? Here is how it should go:

Son, you can’t drink in public like that in Athens. Pour out the drink and head home and call it a day and don’t do it again. Did you drive here? Then call a cab or hoof it home, don’t get behind the wheel tonight. Your welcome, now have a good night and be safe and keep the cocktails inside!

By I-DOG

July 31, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

masivatac:

You are exactly right on that one. I know a guy who moved his family across the country which is a big job with a lot of details.

He and his wife “forgot” to inform the Georgia DMV that they were moving and when they cancelled their Georgia insurance and got a new policy in Chicago… the Georgia licenses were suspended without their knowlege. When they went to get IL licenses, they coudn’t do it because they both had suspended license in GA. Neither one had a ticket or accident in 10 years, Georgia suspended their license because they assumed they were uninsured.

By I-DOG

July 31, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Mike:

Now that sir, is helpful.

I will write to her today. I request that all like minded dawgs call or write in kind.

We aren’t saying, give preferential treatment to athletes or arrest or otherwise punish people who commit crimes. DUI? throw the book, stealing? throw the book, weapons, drug dealing, or god forbid rape? public stoning and then throw the book at them.

Passing on the right? Poor moped driving? Open containers? Not so much!

If the police chief talks to Richt every time a player commits a minor infraction, just do what EVERY other college town in the United State does… Have Richt run them to death when one of these minor infractions takes place. They will learn a lesson without Athens getting a Mayberry and keystone cop reputation.

By tenndawg

July 31, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Altamaha,

Where did you see the story about Ward passing on the right on a two lane road? I just want to see where he did it, but I haven’t been able to find it.

By AltamahaDawg

July 31, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

I-dog, I dont think he was advocating a ticket at one mile over, just that its not illegal to drive in the “fast lane” when otherrfolks are speeding faster than you are speeding. Just annoying.

Not sure why thats even a discussion as the incident in question wasnt on a 4 lane. He was literally passing cars around the right (curb) side of a 2 lane with his scooter. Obviously thats illegal, (and unsafe) by any stretch of discretion.

Still I beleive that would not have landed him in jail, as was the case with King, IF,IF, he had a valid licence. I am willing to take the chiefs word that “no licence, no choice”.

There are times that folks get them suspended for odd reasons, am I would be annoyed to actually be jailed on an insurance snafoo, But that wasnt the case in either of these situations. It was getting ticketed for a moving violation, which lead to an additional charge of driving without a valid, legal, right to do so, for a previous unresolved traffic voilation, (meaning the mere act of driving at all is not cool) which appearantly requires bail to be posted, until you can plead your case.

By AltamahaDawg

July 31, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Athens Banner Herald gives complete details.

By AltamahaDawg

July 31, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

I-Dog, while thousands of tickets are not giving out on I-285, it seems to me that a UGA student walking past an officer with an open container is equavalent to obviously speeding right past any police, any town, will get you pulled over every time. I understand your point about not every situation requires the letter of the law, but it IS the law, and I think I am going to pass on writing the chief to tell them how to handle it. Frankly I can’t imagine anyway I could reasonable phrase that request.

As far as Barnes, I have stated in here earlier he deserved suspension for sheer stupidity. Nobody ever said he was walking next door, but walking home, from who knows where. Dumb to do so with a beer in hand across campus. Also while he may have been 21, he was with an UNDERAGE also in posssesion, and I imagine that changes the way things get handled. By himself, who knows, may have gone as you suggest. If I am Athens/CC police, in today world of scrutiny, and attack dog advocates, no way I do it any way but by the book. I havent read or heard anything to suggest they did anything overboard, just not “relaxed” as some might have wished.

By tenndawg

July 31, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Thanks Altamaha. That definitely seems like a bonehead move on Ward’s part. I had not seen the whole story and don’t blame the cop for pulling him over for that. Reading the above descriptions, I was picturing him passing in the right lane of a four lane road. So, for the record, I agree with him getting pulled over, but I still don’t agree with slow people in the left lane.

By I-DOG

August 1, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Altamaha:

Well said and reasonable points all.

One question. Why aren’t football players getting suspended at tech for underage/public drinking? Four UGA players have been. Is it because no tech players ever drink and get drunk? Are the laws different in Atlanta? No, they are ENFORCED differently.

For that matter, why can’t I find a single article where a player has ever been suspended for an open container in the entire nation? I can’t even find one about a guy getting suspended for part of the season for having a suspended license.

I fully support the idea of discipline and think ALL of these six players should be punished. I don’t agree with them getting arrested for having a beer outside at age 21 and I don’t think that all of these players should miss multiple games. Run them, make the teamates participate in part of the punishment for doing something stupid etc…

If a player is involved in theft, violence, DUI etc… They should be kicked off the team. I’m not a softy.

While being kicked out of school was harsh for Akheem Hebron, maybe that will end up being the best thing for him.

Athens is doing it differently than the rest of the country. Some may be FOR that, others AGAINST. Put me down for the latter. Let’s at least recognize that what is going on in Athens is unique.

By Eli P. Karatassos

August 2, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

What the Athens cops don’t have is the discretion to know when the public is really in danger and the punishment fits the offense. No harm no foul, or no cuffs and finger prints.

By NHSeagle1

August 2, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Get the picture now— 9am Game day UGA vs Colorado parking lots full-has been since 9. ACC police ride though on 4-wheeler-move canopy- let officer through Officer stops “Ya’ll ain’t saving any parking spaces are you” “No there are any spaces to save.” 9:15 same day same officer-move canopy-let officer through- “you know you can’t save parking spaces” “There aren’t any to save” 10:05 same officer same day-move canopy-let officer through. “Don’t be saving any parking spaces” “none left, haven’t been any since 8 am” 10:16 same officer same day same comments. All toll this guy comes through 6 times that day loooking for, by his own admission, the same thing. What part of the “parking lot is full” couldn’t he understand or recognize. I understand doing your job but I believe there’s a fine line between job and harrassment.