2 UGA freshman football players arrested

CLARKE COUNTY, Ga. — The new head coach of Georgia football is promising to take appropriate action against two players charged with shooting a pellet gun in their dormitory and damaging property.
 
If you're the new head coach, this is not the kind of distraction you need while getting ready for your first season.
 
Two top freshman football recruits are getting off to a rough start.
 
"I don't think firearms should be allowed in the dormitories," a student who gave the first name Ann Marie said.
           
That's the common reaction from many students at UGA learning of the arrest of two football players.
 
Police say the recruits were taking random shots with a BB gun in their dorm this month.
 
Nineteen-year-old Chad Clay and 18-year-old Julian Rochester are charged with having a weapon on a campus and second-degree criminal damage.

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"A lot of students live there and somebody could have easily got injured or hurt," student Justin Williams said.
                                   
According to the police report, the student athletes caused around $1,000 damage in their dormitory common area, included pellet indentations on a refrigerator and drywall.
 
 "You shouldn't be shooting anything that could potentially could harm someone else," student Ron Youmans said.
 
Head coach Kirby Smart released a statement saying he was disappointed with the poor judgment exhibited by Clay and Rochester, adding that he expects full compliance with university policies from all student athletes.
           
He said information is still being gathered but the two will be disciplined in an appropriate manner.
           
Some students said the two freshmen deserved to be held accountable for their misdeeds, but not with felony charges.
 
"A felony is a little too much," a student who gave the name Ashley said.
             
"I think they should have been taken to jail, but felony shouldn't be required," another student, who identified herself as Marie, said.
 
Police said they found a small amount of marijuana in the bathroom, but insufficient for testing.
 
The two football players were released from jail after posting bail.
 
Regan left a message for their attorney for a comment but have not heard back.
 

Cox Media Group