"We have a dedicated and committed group of men who are working hard to prepare for the coming season," said Mark Richt. "Our total focus will be directed toward the team and this effort."
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) -- Georgia tailback Isaiah Crowell has been dismissed from the team by coach Mark Richt following his arrest on felony weapons charges.
Richt announced the dismissal of Crowell on Friday. Police found a gun in Crowell's vehicle early Friday morning.
Crowell was arrested at a vehicle checkpoint on the Georgia campus at around 2:20 a.m., according to Athens-Clarke Police Department spokeswoman Hilda Sorrow. Among the charges he faces are carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a weapon on school property.
Crowell consented to a search after officers smelled marijuana in the vehicle. Police found a 9-millimeter Luger pistol under the driver's seat with an altered serial number.
Crowell was released on bond Friday afternoon.
This isn't the first problem for Crowell at Georgia. He was suspended for one game last season after a violation of team policy. The Journal-Constitution reported it was for a failed drug test. He also sat out the first quarter against Vanderbilt for disciplinary actions.
Despite those issues and an injured ankle, Crowell ran for 850 yards as a freshman and was expected to build upon that this season.
The incident is just the latest issue for Georgia.
The team has already suspended starting defensive back Sanders Commings is already suspended two games after pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges of simple battery and disorderly conduct.
Starting linebacker Alec Ogletree and all-conference safety Bacarri Rambo are also facing multiple-game suspensions for off-field issues.
With Crowell's future with the program in doubt, the Bulldogs face an uncertain situation at running back.
Ken Malcome and Richard Samuel and the lone returners with significant experience. That could open the door for incoming freshman Keith Marshall of Millbrook (Raleigh, N.C.), who was one of the nation's top recruits at the position.
Contributing: USA TODAY