Shaquille Jones Dismissed by Georgia Following Arrest

Freshman defensive back Shaquille Jones was dismissed from Georgia on Sunday after he was arrested for shoplifting. 

Jones was charged with theft after taking $43 worth of merchandise from Walmart. He was released on $1,500 bail on Sunday evening, according to Seth Emerson of The Macon Telegraph.

As a result, head coach Mark Richt announced his dismissal merely 90 minutes later. Richt spoke about Jones' departure in a statement, per Emerson:

"We have certain expectations and standards that we require of all our players," Richt said. "When those expectations and standards are not met, the opportunity to be a part of our program is sacrificed.”

Dan Wolken of USA Today offered his take on the news:

Jones had yet to play for the Bulldogs, but is still a notable loss. Defensive back Sheldon Dawson was dismissed last week and Rico Johnson was given a medical disqualification last Thursday after the discovery of a spinal condition, per Emerson.

UGA Football News provides a full look at the losses in the secondary recently:

Prior to his freshman campaign with the Bulldogs, Jones was a 3-star safety with potential to compete in the SEC. Now, his future is up in the air after being dismissed by Georgia after enrolling in June.

For the Bulldogs, the team is coming off a win over Vanderbilt, 44-17, and is preparing for a showdown with Missouri on the road. With hopes of contending in the SEC still alive, Georgia must eliminate distractions moving forward.

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