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Georgia linebacker Cornelius Washington was suspended Sunday for at least two games following his arrest and charge with driving under the influence and speeding.
Coach Mark Richt said athletic association policy states that student-athletes will be suspended for at least 20 percent of their competitions following DUI arrests.
''It will be at least that,'' Richt said.
Washington's suspension will begin with this week's game at Tennessee.
''It's a setback, but I don't know if it will deter us from playing hard and playing well,'' Richt said. ''It's going to give someone else an opportunity to play well.''
The Commerce Police Department's incident report said Washington was stopped at 1:48 a.m. Sunday for driving a Dodge Journey at 92 mph in a 55 mph zone. The officer said in the report that the 22-year-old said he had been drinking, but ''it had been several hours prior.''
It says Washington failed a series of field sobriety tests and had a blood alcohol reading of 0.12 percent on a breath test. The legal limit in Georgia is 0.08.
The report said a 20-year-old female passenger in the car's front seat also was arrested for underage consumption of alcohol. She had an alcohol reading of 0.176.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Department said Washington was booked into jail overnight Sunday and released on a $3,500 bond.
Washington recorded two sacks and four tackles in Georgia's 24-10 victory Saturday over Mississippi State.
Richt said he met with Washington on Sunday.
''Yes, he's sick, he feels awful,'' Richt said. ''He knows that he let the team down, let his coaches down, let his family down and the Bulldog nation in general. He understands that there's a price to be paid. He's going to take his punishment like a man and come back and finish strong for us. That's kind of his state of mind right now.''
Washington made his third start of the season in the win over Mississippi State. Chase Vasser started the other two games. Richt said he hasn't decided who will start against Tennessee.
