Spring Break
Football still focused after suspensions, transfer
TYLER ESTEP
Issue date: 6/18/09 Section: Sports
|
While there have been no new arrests recently, there have been suspensions - tight end Bruce Figgins for six games and defensive end Justin Houston for two, both, according to ESPN, on drug-related offenses - and a transfer - safety John Knox to Georgia Military College for academic reasons.
These could have not happened at worse positions for the Bulldogs.
Figgins' suspension leaves White, a redshirt sophomore, as the only Georgia tight end with real playing experience. Houston's suspension depletes an already thin and injury-ravaged corps of defensive ends. And Knox's transfer puts the pressure on senior Bryan Evans at free safety, a position he moved to mid-2008.
But make no mistake - grudges will not be held, and the focus is still there.
"We know everybody makes mistakes," said defensive end Demarcus Dobbs, who hopes his fractured foot will be cleared for full participation during his doctor's visit today.
"Nobody holds anything against anybody, some people were just caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. You can't do anything but learn from it."
Said White: "You want to make sure he feels like he still has the support of this team, anybody that gets in trouble like that. You want to make sure that they know you're behind them, and you've got their back. You're not forgetting about them, and they're still a part of this team."
Players repeatedly pointed to a renewed sense of leadership during spring camp, and taking responsibility for themselves and their teammates is especially crucial during summer workouts - with no or fewer classes, no guidance from coaches and a less formal structure.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
CoastalDawg
posted 6/19/09 @ 9:57 AM EST
Yes, these players are still a part of the team just as a family member is still part of the family when he/she gets into trouble. It does speak though of either a lack of maturity or a lack of caring for the team because now those spots must be filled with inexperienced people because two team members were caught in some illegal position and one didn't bother to study, apparently forgetting that his primary purpose is to gain an education. (Continued…)
Post a Comment