About 12 hours after running back Isaiah Crowell was arrested on three weapons charges, coach Mark Richt announced the former No. 1 recruit in the country had been dismissed from the team.
"We have a dedicated and committed group of men who are working hard to prepare for the coming season," said Richt in a statement. "Our total focus will be directed toward the team and this effort."
Although the statement was brief, it didn't seem to leave room for Crowell to return.
According to the Athens Clarke County booking report, Crowell was arrested by Athens police at 3:37 a.m., at which time he was booked into the Athens Clarke County jail. The county's online jail booking report states Crowell bonded out at 12:44 p.m.
A police spokesman told UGASports that Crowell's arrest came following an early-morning stop at a police checkpoint on East Campus Road and Green Street on the Georgia campus. Four other individuals were in the car, but they were not arrested.
According to the spokesman, Crowell's car was stopped at 2:20 when an officer reported smelling the odor of marijuana. Crowell's car was searched, no marijuana was found but police did locate a 9-mm Luger handgun with the altered serial number. The gun was found under the driver's seat.
Two of the charges were felonies and the other was a misdemeanor and Crowell was originally booked on a $7,500 bond, which was raised to $9,500.
However, being dismissed from the Georgia football team might be the least of Crowell's problems. According to ESPN's Mark Schlabach, Crowell could face severe charges for his gun possession.
"Crowell facing 2-5 yrs on gun in school zone charge & 1-5 yrs on altered serial numbers, according to Georgia sentencing guidelines"
Because of potential jail time, it's hard to speculate where Crowell might try to restart his career. He rushed for 850 yards and five touchdowns in an injury-riddled first season with the Bulldogs.
But he also had trouble following the rules. He was suspended for the Vanderbilt game on Oct. 15 for unknown disciplinary reasons and again for the Nov. 5 game against New Mexico State for failing a drug test.
As of right now, this is an unfortunate end to what could have been a promising career.
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