Washaun Ealey is no longer a Georgia Bulldog

This isn't the most surprising news, and now it's official. Here's the release that Georgia just sent out:

ATHENS - University of Georgia tailback Washaun Ealey has been granted an unconditional release to transfer to another institution for the 2011 academic year according to UGA head coach Mark Richt.

"Washaun and I have had several conversations in recent weeks," Richt said. "We both have come to the conclusion that a transfer to another institution would be in his best interest."

A rising junior from Stillmore, Ga., Ealey has played in 21 games including nine starts during his two-year career at UGA and rushed for 1,528 yards (717 in 2009 and 811 in 2010).

Two weeks ago Richt said that Ealey had a long way to go "before he can play for me." This came after Ealey was suspended from team activities for several weeks before spring practice.

Then Ealey missed most of spring practice, along with the G-Day game, with a nagging hamstring injury.

I'm trying to reach Ealey for comment.

Ealey finishes his career as one of the more enigmatic Bulldogs. He showed plenty of talent, including when he rushed for a team-record five touchdowns at Kentucky.

But he never quite pleased the coaches, and had his share of off-field run-ins. He was suspended for one game last year after a misdemeanor traffic arrest.

The news means even more that freshman Isaiah Crowell has a chance to start at tailback, or at a minimum receive a large share of carries. Senior Caleb King, redshirt freshman Ken Malcome and junior Carlton Thomas are the other returning scholarship tailbacks.