Georgia coach Mark Richt watches his players during NCAA college football practice on Aug. 1, 2014, in Athens, Ga.ATHENS, Ga. – Georgia’s offseason troubles occurred right up to the start of preseason camp.
Bulldogs football coach Mark Richt did not field many questions regarding player behavior when he took the podium July 17 at Southeastern Conference media days. Since then, however, defensive lineman Jon Taylor was charged with felony assault and linebacker Davin Bellamy with driving under the influence.
Taylor has been dismissed from the program, and Bellamy will miss the first two games against Clemson and South Carolina.
“The guys who misbehaved have been the problem, and that’s why we discipline them,” Richt said Friday. “The rest of the guys don’t. Some are still here and some aren’t. It’s part of the consequences of not doing what you’re supposed to do when you’re supposed to do it, but the majority of our guys are doing a great job, and we’re proud of them.”
Georgia had seven player arrests this offseason, with every incident making headlines regionally if not nationally. Richt said he can’t worry about the attention his program’s discipline issues receive, adding that he and his staff will continue to “hold true to what we believe is right.”