Georgia DB Javon Bullard "expected back" for Auburn game
ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia head coach Kirby Smart addressed the media on Monday, and in his comments shared insight into the availability of Bulldog defensive back Javon Bullard who missed Saturday’s game at Missouri. Smart said that they are expected Bullard, who was arrested for a DUI the week prior to the game at Missouri, to be back this week for Auburn.
“Expecting to get Javon back this week,” Smart said. “Tykee did a good job and he will continue to play STAR like he has in the previous games. Did a nice job practicing last week. Got a lot of confidence in Tykee. Gives us some depth at that position. They complement each other really well, and hope that both of them can help us.”
Bullard started three of the first four games for Georgia and served as the team’s primary option at STAR prior to his off-field issues. In the season opener against Oregon, the sophomore out of Milledgeville, Ga. had two tackles. He had two tackles and a pass breakup against Samford before totaling three stops in a win over Kent State. It was the early morning hours after that game though that Bullard was pulled over and arrested on seven charges including not carrying a license, improper turning, minor in possession of alcohol, failure to maintain lane, failure to use head lights, operating a phone while driving and driving under the influence. As a result, he underwent an internal discipline process according to the UGA Student-Athlete Handbook.
“We have a process here we go through,” Smart said when asked about handling the matter internally. “And we have a committee that he goes in front of with the athletic director. And that’s what I mean by it’ll be handled internally with us. There’s still a lot in the air there.”
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According to the UGA student-athlete handbook, Javon Bullard is subject to an immediate suspension pending a review from the Comprehensive Action Plan Committee. That committee will impose a punishment for Bullard that could result in something as serious as dismissal from the team, suspension from competition, reduction in aid, or loss of aid. The handbook does not say that a suspension, outside of the initial one pending a review, is mandatory.
Bullard’s return to the field certainly helps a Georgia secondary that gave up 20 completions for 192 yards passing and a touchdown on 32 attempts Saturday and was called for a pair of pass interference calls in the 26-22 win over Missouri. Georgia takes on Auburn this Saturday in the the 127th meeting of the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, the second most-played rivalry in Power Five football. Kickoff time between the Bulldogs and Tigers is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
