UGA suspends three tailbacks

By Chip Towers

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Athens - Three University of Georgia running backs have been suspended for Saturday¹s game with New Mexico State for violation of team policies according to a statement from head coach Mark Richt.

Junior Carlton Thomas, freshman Isaiah Crowell, and redshirt freshman Ken Malcome will serve one-game suspensions Saturday.

“We have certain standards in all that we do and their actions do not reflect the Georgia way,” Richt said in a statement. “They will serve their suspensions, learn a lesson and I¹m sure be better men for it.”

The Bulldogs will also be without tailback Richard Samuel. Richt confirmed Tuesday that junior, who starred in the fourth quarter of the Bulldogs’ 24-20 victory last Saturday in Jacksonville, will be out for the remained of the regular season with an ankle injury.

Samuel underwent surgery Tuesday morning to repair ligament damage in Samuel’s left ankle. Samuel injured the leg on the very last play of the game, a nine-yard run down to the Florida 1-yard line.

“We don’t know exactly when he’ll be back, but it obviously won’t be any time soon,” Richt said. “I would say a minimum of four weeks.”