White dismissed from team after DUI arrest

By

Posted 7:31AM on Sunday, June 5, 2005

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) University of Georgia linebacker Derrick White, a senior projected as a starter, has been dismissed from the team by coach Mark Richt following White's arrest Friday. White was charged with driving under the influence near Union City, Ga., according to a release issued Saturday by Georgia. White already was suspended for the first two games of the 2005 season following his involvement in a bar fight in Athens on April 10. Following the incident, White was banned from downtown Athens at night for six months. Now, following White's second offseason brush with the law, his Georgia career has ended. ``I spoke to Derrick Saturday and have made the decision to dismiss him from the team,'' Richt said in a statement released by Georgia. ``The decision was based not only on the incident which occurred Friday, but also on a past history of behavior that does not represent our program in the proper way.'' White is one of five Georgia players to land in legal trouble this offseason. On Thursday, defensive tackle Darrius Swain was released from Athens-Clarke County Jail after serving 22 days for driver's license violations. Defensive tackle Kedric Golston was arrested with White in the April 10 bar fight and is suspended for the season opener. Two other players, offensive linemen Zeb McKinzey and Michael Turner, also were suspended for the opening game by Richt earlier in the spring. McKinzey was suspended for public drunkeness; Turner for being in a vehicle where marijuana was found. Also, middle linebacker Josh Johnson was dismissed from the team by Richt for unspecified disciplinary reasons. Johnson transferred to Georgia Military College. White, from Creekside High and Union City, started seven games in 2004 and recorded 38 tackles. He recovered a fumble and broke up a pass. Georgia athletic director Damon Evans said he supports Richt's decision to dismiss White. ``I'm convinced coach Richt has taken the proper course of action in this matter,'' Evans said. ``While we support our student-athletes and work daily for their welfare, it's an indication that we cannot tolerate behavior that is inappropriate and/or detrimental to our teams, athletic association, and university.'' Richt indicated he would offer assistance if White transfers to another school to complete his college career. ``I will meet with Derrick in person in the next couple of days and work with him on where he goes from here along with providing any assistance we can in his transition,'' Richt said. (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)