What is going on down in Columbus?

Yeah, I know this is old news, the deal about Jarvis Jones and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope but I have not discussed it here on the blog yet. So, here is the deal from all I have read-

Police records show that an unauthorized bank account controlled by Adams and Porter was used to pay for flights to and from Los Angeles for Jarvis Jones, a two-sport star at Carver-Columbus who played football for one season at Southern California, and for the cell phone bill of the mother of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a five-star shooting guard from Greenville.


Read more: http://www.macon.com/2011/06/27/1610531/scandal-may-put-uga-duo-at-risk.html#ixzz1RFU4J3Xv

Adams and Porter would be-Parks and Recreation Department director Tony Adams and top lieutenant Herman Porter. These two guys are invovled with the Georgia Blazers, an AAU basketball team based out of Columbus, Ga.

To me the biggest issue in play here is that these two guys are being investigated by the police, I am sure the NCAA will be looking into this but a few things stand out to me. First of all, the trips to LA for Jarvis and guessing his Mom.

From Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 1 at a cost of $339.20.
From Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 17 at a cost of $144.60.
To Atlanta from Los Angeles on Sept. 17 at a cost of $175.00.
To Atlanta from Los Angeles on Oct. 9 at a cost of $169.60.
The total cost of the flights was $828.40.

As I just flew to LA, my total round trip was $278 so all the fares would be for one person with the exception of the first one, which appears to be for two. Being that college kids typically report to college early to begin prep work for the upcoming season, I am betting that the first trip was Jarvis flying to LA with his Mom to check in. Based on the the next flight, are we to believe that Jarvis flew back to ATL on his own dime between June 1st and June 17th, only to fly back to LA on the 17th. Then, you have the other two flights, from LA to ATL, both during the USC football season?? Now, on Sept 19th, Jarvis and the Trojans were playing against Washington in Seattle, so not sure how he could have been on 17th flight. October 9th, that was the Trojans off week. Bottom line, these flights took place back in 2009 when Jarvis Jones was a student athlete at Southern Cal, not at UGA. Now, I can see where Jones or his family might be required to pay back the total cost of flights, but not sure how flights taken two years ago while a member of another schools football program should have any impact on his playing status for Georgia this fall. NOTHING the NCAA does surprises me so if he gets a game or two suspension, I will not be surprised. But, that being said, I don't think he should lose any playing time.

Now, as to Caldwell-Pope, the issue involves the AAU team paying his Mom's cell phone bill-

The Verizon subpoena revealed a payment for $280.90 on July 27, 2009, made for Rhonda Caldwell’s phone bill using Porter’s credit card and money from the Blazers’ bank account.

This might qualify as something worthy KCP losing a few games this upcoming season perhaps, but then agian, you look at the date of the payment, July 2009. Caldwell-Pope was not yet a junior in HS. These guys have no connection with UGA so again, how can this possibly be that serious.


You never know how these investigations will pan out but in just my opinion, I see NOTHING that should get these two guys any missed time on the field/court. I have not read any updates on this situation but until I read something besides what I have read to this point, I think the story is dead.



There is a lot of talk on the boards about the impact of Isaiah Crowell and as I pointed out there, I don't expect a ton out of him but I think what he does offer is the homerun threat we have been missing. Caleb and Ealey are both plenty fast but they don't have that Branden Smith type speed, and certainly they don't have much ability to be elusive and break tackles. Course now Ealey is history so we say, Caleb doesn't offer those abilities. But, and this is a huge BUT, Caleb once did have those abilities and I firmly believe braking his leg in HS really has had a major impact on CK. But, this year is different for him and maybe I am dreaming but I really sense a big year ahead for #4. If he were playing pro football this would be considered his contract year, the year he shows how good he is because he is looking to secure that next big contract. Well, for Caleb, he is simply trying to secure draft status. The departure of Ealey really opened up the door for him and I think we all will see a new CK this fall. No way does he want to be passed by a true FR. I firmly believe that the Dream Team itself might well be more a factor in what it brings about with our veteran players than with how much the young guys actually contribute themselves. What you have happening with this group is that they come in collectively with a lot of hype, a lot of swagger. If you have ever been a part of a team sport in high school or above, you know full well that when a young guy comes in you do everything in your power to beat that kid out. Nothing is worse than to be a soph, jr, or sr and have a freshman come in and take your spot. Couple that cockiness/confidence that our young guys bring in with the fact that our coaches are coaching for their futures, I think you can see where this provides a LOT of competition for all positions.

Granted the season starts off with a bang but I am firmly convinced that if our young pups can come in and push our vets to the next level, if we can get more 3 and outs on D and have another WR step up opposite TKing, if we can establish a run game to allow Murray to open up the offense and provide balance AND if we can avoid injury and turnovers in those first two ballgames, a 2-0 start is certainly there for the taking.

One more note and this involves the state rival GT insects, I found it funny that the beat writer for rivals had this to say about the back that is supposed to take the place of Jonathan Dwyer and Anthony Allen at B-back. Now, first of all Dwyer was listed at 6'0" 235, Allen 6'0" 230. The beat writer said he believe Charles Perkins will step right in at B-back and, as he put it, "is more competitive than Dwyer or Allen which is a good combination for that position." Perkins is 6'0" 207, unless he has bulked up quite a bit. I have been questioning who will play that crucial role for the Insects and now we have the answer. Maybe Perkins will be a stud but I have my doubts he as a redshirt FR will be as good in that offense playing basically the fullback position, than was Dwyer or Allen.

All for now, hope you all had a happy and safe 4th of July.