ATHENS - Kara Braxton ran out of chances.
No. 18 Georgia dismissed her Friday, ending her three-year career for the Lady Bulldogs, which started with her being named the Southeastern Conference freshman of the year.
But three suspensions last year and a fourth this year spelled the end for the 6-6 forward, who was averaging a team-high 13.7 points and eight rebounds a game for the Lady Dogs.
"I'm disappointed," coach Andy Landers said in a statement. "As a coach, you never want to be in this position. But you can only extend someone so many chances. Kara has been given sufficient opportunities to adhere to our team policies. At this point, I think it is in everyone's best interest, including Kara's, to move forward."
"It wasn't a shock," said teammate Alexis Kendrick.
Braxton was suspended for the fourth time in her career before Sunday's win over Ole Miss for violating team policies. No details were provided. She missed three games previously for an undisclosed medical reason.
Last year she was suspended three times, twice for one game each, and the third time for the remainder of the season.
"It's unfortunate," said senior 6-5 center Christi Thomas. "You hate to see a player of that magnitude not be here, especially with the impact she has on our team and the versatility she brings to the team."
Thomas and Braxton gave Georgia an imposing front line that forced rivals to compensate. Landers compared them earlier this year to the NBA duo of David Robinson and Tim Duncan who led San Antonio to the world championship last year, even to the point that Braxton and Thomas complemented each other well and avoided any friction for attention.
"To be honest," said Thomas, "I have already missed being on the floor with her because she was sick. I haven't played much with her since she has been back from her illness. I definitely will miss it now."
Georgia, however, is 4-0 in games in which Braxton has not played this year.
Junior forward Jessica Pierce has seen her playing time increase in Braxton's absence, but she will still miss her classmate.
"It's sad for her to be dismissed from the team," Pierce said. "We really need her going into the playoffs. We have to stay focused and keep our mind on the SEC championships and the NCAAs."
The players said they did not believe the dismissal would be a distraction.
"I dont think it is a distraction," Pierce said. "Sure, we think about it, but we can put it behind us and take care of business."
Thomas said it had the opposite effect on Georgia last year.
"It allowed our team to focus at different times better than we might have if she were still there," Thomas explained, "because once you lose a person who played a big part in your team, you tend to come together as a team. In the end, last year, it helped us stay focused and keep pushing."
"Even out of an unfortunate situation, I know something great will come out of it," said Kendrick, who said that Braxton's presence was one reason she came to Georgia from California.
A year ago, Georgia advanced to the Sweet 16 without Braxton, losing narrowly in the NCAA Tournament to Duke, 66-63. But both Marquita Driskell and Ebony Felder contributed inside.
Driskell dropped off the team in January after not playing for health reasons, and Felder has played sparingly as she has battled chronic knee problems.
"Obviously our depth is an issue as far as big people go," said Thomas. "We don't have any fouls to give inside."
Georgia plays at South Carolina Sunday.
Friday
February 7th, 2025
5:48PM
