Athens — Michael Lemon's football career at Georgia is over.

For now, at least.

Rich Addicks/raddicks@ajc.com (ENLARGE)

Georgia defensive lineman Michael Lemon expressed an interest to return to the team, following his dismissal by coach Mark Richt.

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Bulldogs coach Mark Richt announced Sunday that Lemon, a sophomore defensive end from Lizella, had been dismissed from the team. The decision came 10 days after Lemon was arrested on charges of aggravated battery (a felony) and battery (a misdemeanor).

"He's been dismissed as a result of some poor decisions and conduct that is not in line with the standards that we have in place at Georgia," Richt said in a statement. "I have had discussions with Michael and he understands the decision."

Richt revealed in the news release that Lemon expressed an interest in trying to earn his way back onto the team. "That would depend on several factors and will come at a later date," Richt said.

Lemon could not be reached for comment.

Lemon, who attended Stratford Academy in Macon, had been suspended indefinitely since his arrest July 3.

The charges stemmed from a fight the previous weekend in which a UGA student claims he was attacked by Lemon. DeMarius Jackson, a rising junior from Albany, told police that Lemon punched him at least five times — including one that resulted in a blowout fracture of his left eye socket — in an altercation that occurred June 28 at a barbecue at The Exchange apartment complex in Athens. Jackson said he was taken to St. Mary's Hospital via ambulance and released about eight or nine hours later.

Lemon played in eight games last season, recording seven tackles. He was listed as a third-string defensive end at the end of spring drills.

Georgia helped raise more than $70,000 on Lemon's behalf after his mother, Phaba Lemon, was murdered and their house was burned down by an ex-boyfriend two years ago.

Lemon was the seventh Georgia football player jailed by police this year. One of the others, senior defensive end Jeremy Lomax, had the charge against him (carrying a concealed weapon) dropped. The other players are facing misdemeanor charges.