Georgia Bulldogs Kick Shaquille Jones Off Team

College football teams across the country have become stricter when handing out punishments for off- field problems.  The Texas Longhorns have been the major proponent of the new sanctions suspending or kicking off nine players from their team.  Furthermore, the Georgia Bulldogs kicked off freshman defensive back Shaquille Jones from the team after he was arrested and charged with shoplifting at 4:53 p.m. on Sunday.

Just about 90 minutes later, Jones was no longer a member of the team and head coach Mark Richt released a statement.

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

Jones had yet to play a snap for the team, but was the fourth member of the Georgia roster to be kicked off the team during the 2014 season.  Two fellow defensive backs, safety Josh Harvey-Clemons and cornerback Shaq Williams, both found Louisville as their final destination after being kicked off the team.  Another safety, Trey Matthews, found his new home at SEC rival Auburn.

The exodus of top players continues as college football reaches the mid way point of an already extremely exciting season. An improved disciplinary system has definitely had an impact on No. 13 Georgia as well as the overall landscape of college football and will further impact teams as they approach the bowl season.  The 4-1 Bulldogs will continue their SEC schedule Saturday against No. 23 Missouri.

*Section Photo credit to Scott Cunningham, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to The Sports Fan Journal

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