UGA grants Washaun Ealey release

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UGA grants Washaun Ealey release

UGA grants running back Washaun Ealey unconditional release, May 2011.

The Georgia Bulldogs granted Washaun Ealey -- their starting tailback and an 800-yard rusher last season -- his unconditional release on Monday. While the Bulldogs will be losing a productive back who showed flashes of brilliance, they will also be losing a disciplinary headache. Ealey was suspended several times during his two years in Athens and head coach Mark Richt was constantly on him to conduct himself in "the Georgia Way." - Chip Towers, AJC

Ealey (left, with Caleb King) was suspended indefinitely from the team in February for missing an early-morning disciplinary run. He was reinstated in time for spring practice in March but was sidelined with a hamstring injury after only four practices and did not practice again. He was also suspended from last season's opener because of an arrest for hit-and-run of a parked vehicle and driving with a suspended license. - Chip Towers, AJC

Washaun Ealey breaks away on a first-half run ... while the official in the background has a tougher time keeping his footing.

Washaun Ealey finished his prep career at Emanuel County Institute in 2008 with nearly 8,000 rushing yards and state records for career and single-season touchdowns.

Ealey finished his freshman season at UGA in 2009 with 717 rushing yards.

Ealey is stopped for a short gain in the 2009 Georgia-Florida game. He would be involved in an infamous moment during the game as he was the victim of eye-gouging by Gators linebacker Brandon Spikes.

Ealey rushed for 183 yards as the Dogs upset then-No. 7 Georgia Tech 30-24 in Atlanta in 2009.

Washaun Ealey has led UGA in rushing the last two seasons, but will he step up this spring with prized recruit Isaiah Crowell headed to Athens in the fall?

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The Georgia Bulldogs granted Washaun Ealey -- their starting tailback and an 800-yard rusher last season -- his unconditional release on Monday. While the Bulldogs will be losing a productive back who showed flashes of brilliance, they will also be losing a disciplinary headache. Ealey was suspended several times during his two years in Athens and head coach Mark Richt was constantly on him to conduct himself in "the Georgia Way." - Chip Towers, AJC