The Georgia Bulldogs recently capped off a nice 2012 recruiting class, built on "quality not quantity", and filled many of their defensive needs for the coming season and beyond. That said, they also have apparently now lost three defensive players of the future due to bad behavior.
It has been reported Nick Marshall, Sanford Seay, and Chris Sanders stole money from a fellow student teammate and, as a result, all three have been dismissed from the team.
The rumor that began as a slow simmer yesterday afternoon, has all but become a raging boil as the repercussions of this story will last much longer than one news cycle.
The coaches were set to be on a vacation of sorts until next Wednesday, but this unfortunate incident has brought Richt back out into the spotlight this morning as he's already issues a statement in regards to these players and their actions.
"It’s a privilege to play college football and to be a part of this team and University," said Richt. "Along with that privilege comes certain responsibilities. Mistakes were made and part of our job is helping them learn from mistakes. Going forward, we are committed to assisting them find opportunities where they can continue their education."
Of the three dismissed players, Nick Marshall was the one people were most excited about. He was a standout for Wilcox County in 2010 and was one of several thought to be in line for some increased playing time this year.
Chris Sanders played sparingly in the first three games of 2010 before being sidelined with an injury for the rest of the season.
Seay was not nearly as heralded, but Georgia could ill-afford to lose any defensive players—particularly in a secondary from which several players will exit after 2012.
Hopefully, this event doesn't overshadow the team too much going into the Spring, but I'm quite certain more information will be trickling out over the coming hours and days.
That said, of you're already thinking ahead–as I am–you're wondering how much damage this will do long-term to a depth chart that once looked to hold much talent an promise at the defensive back slot. Georgia will certainly have to shift their focus to bringing players in who can secure the future and contribute early.
This is certainly turning into a very unfortunate day for the Bulldogs.
Stay tuned.
