ATHENS — Expect Georgia nose guard Kwame Geathers to be suspended for at least half of the Florida game Oct. 29 as punishment for punching a Vanderbilt player Saturday.
Expect a similar fate for the player Geathers hit. Vanderbilt sophomore center Logan Stewart appeared to intentionally clip Geathers in the back of his left knee at the end of a fourth-quarter play, which instigated Geathers’ reaction.
The Bulldogs’ won the hard-fought, emotional game 33-28 on Saturday night in Nashville.
“We’re not sure what’s going to happen,” Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said Tuesday. “The SEC will announce any decisions at whatever time is appropriate.”
Half-game suspensions have been the standard punishment meted out by the SEC office based on recent precedent for similar incidents.
Georgia center Ben Jones was assessed a half-game suspension last season for his flagrant illegal block against Mississippi State. Jones had to sit out the first half of the Colorado game the following week. Auburn players Mike Blanc and Michael Goggans had to sit out the first half of the Alabama game last year after throwing punches against Georgia.
There also could be repercussions for Georgia strong safety Shawn Williams, who was flagged for two personal fouls in the game. Williams is the Bulldogs’ third-leading tackler with 34 and had two interceptions. Geathers has started three games at nose guard and alternates regularly with junior John Jenkins.
The Bulldogs were assessed 11 penalties for 89 yards against Vanderbilt, including at least three personal fouls. They were also called for two personal fouls in the second half against Tennessee.
“That’s not a reflection of our team this year,” McGarity said. “The Vanderbilt game hopefully was an aberration.”
Only Florida, with 61 penalties, has been flagged more times than Georgia (48) in the SEC this season.
No word on Grantham-Franklin
SEC spokesman Charles Bloom said there also was “nothing to report” Tuesday regarding possible disciplinary action against Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and/or Vanderbilt coach James Franklin. Commissioner Mike Slive asked for reports from both schools on the heated verbal confrontation that occurred at midfield between the two coaches immediately after the game. Suspensions, fines or reprimands could be imposed.
Etc.
The Bulldogs practiced for 75 minutes in shorts and shoulder pads in a driving rain storm at Woodruff Practice Fields. Former starting inside linebacker Alec Ogletree practiced full speed and out of a green, non-contact jersey for the first time since the first week of the regular season. Ogletree suffered a broken foot in the opener against Boise State. He will play his first game since then against Florida. ... Wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell practiced Tuesday in a green jersey. The Bulldogs’ leading pass catcher missed Saturday’s game with a pulled hamstring. ... Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said there’s “a chance” former starting flanker Rantavious Wooten (concussion) could return to action.
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