Georgia Suspends Three Running Backs Due to Alleged Drug Use
The Georgia Bulldogs will be down to just two available running backs this week as three top rushers have been suspended for this week’s game against New Mexico State.
Starter Isaiah Crowell (who leads the team and is fifth in the SEC with 689 rushing yards) and backups Carlton Thomas and Ken Malcome were suspended Tuesday afternoon by head coach Mark Richt for violations of team rules. Although Richt refused to comment on the specific violations, sources told ESPN the three failed a drug test administered last week.
In addition to the three suspensions, second-leading rusher Richard Samuel had surgery Tuesday after injuring his ankle in the game against Florida. As such, two former walk-ons — redshirt sophomore Brandon Harton (11 carries for 33 yards this season) and junior Wes Van Dyk (one carry for one yard) — are the only remaining running backs with any game experience available for Saturday’s game.
Cornerbacks Brandon Boykin and Branden Smith have been used on a handful of offensive running plays (combined eight carries for 116 yards), but Richt said that defending New Mexico State’s pass-heavy offense could limit their availability for the Bulldogs offense.
[ESPN]