Posted at 12:10 p.m., Saturday, October 27, 2007
CFB: Georgia TD celebration draws ire of Gators
Associated Press
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Georgia celebrated its first touchdown against rival Florida today with all 70 players running onto the field and jumping up and down in the end zone.The celebration drew two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, forcing the 20th-ranked Bulldogs to kick off from the 8-yard line. It also drew the ire of the ninth-ranked Gators.
Florida coach Urban Meyer was clearly upset with the gesture, which Georgia coach Mark Richt admitted at halftime was orchestrated.
"I told them if they didn't get a penalty for celebrating after the first score I would be mad at them," Richt said during a television interview as he headed to the locker room.
Richt chastised his players for jumping on Vanderbilt's midfield logo following a 20-17 victory over the Commodores two weeks ago.
The Florida-Georgia series has been much more intense over the years, and the Bulldogs have been on the losing end in 15 of the last 17 meetings.
The first half Saturday, which Georgia led 21-17, ended with a combined seven personal foul penalties.
Southeastern Conference associate commissioner Greg Sanke said officials handled the odd celebration properly and did a good job of maintaining order.
"The SEC looks at issues every week, but I'm not going to tell you there's an outcome or an anticipated particular review of that matter," Sanke said. "There's a playing rule that handles it clearly. The officials administered the rule properly."
