ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia tailback Washaun Ealey, the team's leading rusher last season, was arrested early Friday and charged with hit and run and driving on a suspended license early Friday.
UGA Police Chief Jimmy Williamson said Ealey was driving his roommate's Chevrolet Impala when he hit a parked truck in a school parking deck at 3:19 a.m. on Friday.
University employees told Ealey to stay at the scene until police arrived, but he left. No one was reported hurt. Williamson said police later contacted Ealey's roommate and learned Ealey had been driving the car. He was arrested and charged with driving on a suspended license and failing to report an accident. Williamson said alcohol was not involved.
Ealey was released from the Clarke County Jail Friday after posting bond of $4,800. A UGA spokesman did not return messages seeking comment.
Ealey, a sophomore, and Caleb King are expected to share the duties as Georgia's top running backs this year. There was no immediate word from coach Mark Richt on Ealey's status for the team's Sept. 4 opening game against Louisiana-Lafayette.
Based on Richt's responses to other recent arrests, Ealey could face at least a one-game suspension.
Ealey emerged in the second half of the 2009 season to lead the Bulldogs with 717 yards rushing. He ran for three touchdowns. He is the eighth Georgia player and second running back to be arrested this year.
Sophomore tailback Dontavius Jackson announced plans to transfer from Georgia after he was charged last month with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and other motor vehicle offenses. Richt suspended Jackson for a minimum of six games before Jackson left school.
Receiver Tavarres King was charged with underaged possession of alcohol and was suspended one game by Richt last month.
Quarterback Zach Mettenberger was dismissed from the team in April before pleading guilty to two counts of misdemeanor sexual battery in May. He was arrested March 7 in Lowndes County and charged with underage consumption and possession of alcohol, possessing fake identification and disorderly conduct-obstruction.
Mettenberger faced a one-game suspension from Richt for the alcohol-related charges before the sexual battery charges led to his dismissal.
Two other players were kicked off the team: linebacker Montez Robinson, who was charged with simple battery/family violence; and backup punter Trent Dittmer, who was charged with public intoxication.
Also, offensive lineman Josh Parrish, who is not on scholarship, was charged with underage possession of alcohol and possession of false identification. Backup cornerback Jordan Love was charged with obstruction for not providing his full name to police.