Washaun Ealey Arrested: Georgia Bulldogs' RB Kills His Own Momentum

Washaun Ealey was arrested and placed in jail with a $3,000 bond late Thursday night. The running back hit another car in a parking deck and left the scene of the accident. Ealey was driving his roommate's gold Chevrolet Impala while using a suspended license. 

This is just the latest mishap with the law in what has proved to be quite the tumultuous offseason for the Georgia Bulldogs. 

Quarterback Zach Mettenberger was kicked off the team in March, then punter Trent Dittmer was arrested in April. Following that was the scandal with former athletic director Damon Evans, then Dontavius Jackson and Tavarres King were charged with alcohol-related misdemeanors.

Now comes the Ealey situation. He becomes the eighth Georgia player to get in trouble with the law this year. 

Three of those players were kicked off of the team: Mettenberger, outside linebacker Montez Robinson, and Dittmer. Jackson was suspended six games and transferred away to another school, while King is simply suspended for the first game.

The penalty for Ealey has not yet been determined, but it most likely will not be too harsh. His offense was not alcohol-related or violent in nature, so it isn't quite as serious as some of the other cases. Most likely, he will receive a short suspension from the team, possibly missing only the Louisiana-Lafayette game.

The Effect on the Team

For all intents and purposes, let's just assume that Ealey is suspended for the game against the Ragin' Cajuns. 

This really wouldn't harm the team too much, as Caleb King is more than capable of shouldering the load for a game. 

Running backs coach Ryan McClendon already told reporters that he expected King to get the start in the Bulldogs' first game due to his consistency with pass-blocking. He did go on to explain that the plan was to have the two lead backs split carries, playing time, and series fairly evenly. 

Obviously, this would change that plan, but it shouldn't be too detrimental to the team. 

While no game should be looked passed, Louisiana-Lafayette isn't exactly the toughest opponent that the Bulldogs face this season.

This recent development may force the passing game to be utilized a little more and test Aaron Murray's progress slightly earlier than expected. 

While all indications showed that Ealey was gaining momentum and heading towards a fine season, this does put a damper on his progress. But if he has a minimal suspension or none at all, the team itself should not be hurt too much.