Isaiah Crowell kicked off Georgia football team for weapons arrest

Georgia has dismissed Isaiah Crowell from the team after the sophomore running back was arrested and brought up on felony gun charges early Friday morning. Here’s The AP:

Crowell was arrested at a vehicle checkpoint on the Georgia campus at around 2:20 a.m., according to Athens-Clarke Police Department spokeswoman Hilda Sorrow. Among the charges he faces are carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a weapon on school property.

Crowell consented to a search after officers smelled marijuana in the vehicle. Police found a 9-millimeter Luger pistol under the driver’s seat with an altered serial number.

The tailback was released on $9,500 bond. He faces a fine of up to $10,000 and, if found guilty, two to 10 years in the clink for possessing the weapon and one to five years for the tampered serial number.

Crowell, 19, spent just a year on campus following a decorated prep career. Rated a five-star caliber recruit by Rivals, he was one of the top-ranked running backs in the class of 2011. On National Signing Day, he brought out a bulldog puppy to announce his intent to play for Georgia.

Even as a freshman, the puppy lover was Georgia’s top rusher with 850 yards. He was suspended for the Bulldogs’ game against New Mexico State after he and two other teammates failed a drug test. However, in March, Mark Richt commended Crowell for “definitely growing up.”

But the ever-so-righteous Bulldogs coach didn’t so much as mention Crowell’s name in a statement part of the brief news release that announced the dismissal.

“We have a dedicated and committed group of men who are working hard to prepare for the coming season,” Richt said. “Our total focus will be directed toward the team and this effort.”

Photo: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE