Associated Press
February 26, 2011
ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia running back Washaun Ealey has been reinstated to the team, less than three weeks after he was suspended for disciplinary reasons.
Coach Mark Richt said Ealey, who led the team last season with 811 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns, will rejoin team activities on Monday.
"Over the past few weeks, Washaun has done the things we expect him to do, the things we expect all our players to do," Richt said in a statement Saturday. "He's been doing things the Georgia way."
Ealey was suspended Feb. 8, fueling speculation that he was on the verge of transferring. Richt didn't give a specific reason for the punishment, but left the door open for Ealey's return. ESPN.com reported that he failed to show up for disciplinary running.
"We have certain expectations and standards that apply to all our student-athletes," Richt said at the time. "We expect them to do things the right way, the Georgia way. If Washaun does things the Georgia way, he'll be back in good standing."
This wasn't the first time Ealey had been in the coach's doghouse. The sophomore was suspended for the 2010 season opener after his arrest for driving with a suspended license and leaving the scene of an accident.
Despite missing the game, he was the top rusher on a team that finished 6-7 for Richt's first losing season in 10 years at Georgia.
Georgia's other top tailback, Caleb King, missed the Liberty Bowl with academic issues and was suspended for two games last season for failing to appear in court to deal with a speeding ticket.
Ealey and King will get competition this season from one of Georgia's top signees last week, Isaiah Crowell of Carver High in Columbus, Ga.
Richt said he expects Crowell to contribute heavily as a freshman, starting with the very first game against Boise State in the Georgia Dome.
"I wouldn't be shocked to see him run that rock in the Dome against Boise State on the opening play if he does what he's supposed to do," Richt said.
