3 more members of Gangster Disciples convicted in “gruesome” murders of 3 Athens men

Athens News Podcast: 8/22/23

Athens News Podcast: 8/22/23

1. Georgia football, minus Bear Alexander, lacks D-line depth. Mentor sheds light on departure:

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart is concerned about the reduced depth of his team's defensive line this preseason. Defensive tackle Bear Alexander, a promising player, left the program and joined Southern Cal. Despite high expectations after his freshman season in 2022, Alexander hadn't secured a starting position this spring, leading to his departure. Alexander's mentor, Tony Jones, expressed disappointment in Georgia's handling of the situation. Smart acknowledged the changing landscape of player transfers and emphasized the need to develop younger players and elevate the performance of existing ones due to the lack of available replacements. The team aims to overcome this depth challenge and improve overall defensive line strength......... This from Bulldogs Extra of Athens-Banner Herald

1. 3 more members of Gangster Disciples convicted in “gruesome” murders of 3 Athens men

Three members of the Gangster Disciples have been convicted by a federal jury for their involvement in three gruesome murders in Athens. Philmon Chambers, aka "Dolla Phil," Andrea Browner, aka "Drea," and Lesley Green, aka "Grip," were found guilty of various charges, including Racketeer Influence and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy. The murders were driven by retaliation, starting with the murder of Gangster Disciples member Walter Brown in 2018. Chambers and Browner sought revenge and believed three Athens residents were responsible. They killed one of them, Rodriquez Rucker. Later, Green was directed to murder Derrick Ruff and Joshua Jackson, whom Chambers suspected of cooperating with law enforcement. The victims were enticed to steal items, then murdered by Green. The convictions mark a victory against violent criminal activity, according to U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. Sentencing dates are yet to be determined........ This from WSBTV

1. Kirby Smart provides injury updates on several Georgia Bulldogs after 2nd scrimmage:

Georgia Bulldogs' fall camp has seen its share of injuries among players, with Coach Kirby Smart providing updates. Tight end Lawson Luckie's return is uncertain, while inside linebacker Smael Mondon is progressing well with foot exercises. Running backs Branson Robinson and Kendall Milton, as well as STAR Joenel Aguero, are day-to-day with hamstring injuries. Left tackle Earnest Greene and left guard Xavier Truss suffered ankle injuries during a scrimmage, and their seriousness remains uncertain. Running back Andrew Paul has shown promise after a torn ACL, while wide receiver Jackson Meeks has a stress reaction in his foot. Cornerback Kamari Lassiter, with a foot injury, has been limited in participation. The Bulldogs are preparing for the season opener on September 2...... This from 247 Sports

1. Frank Sinkwich named sixth board chair of Athens Academy:

Frank Sinkwich III has been named the sixth Chair of the Board of Trustees at Athens Academy. Sinkwich is an alumnus of Athens Academy, graduating in 1989, and he went on to study at the University of Georgia. He currently holds the position of president at Northeast Sales Distributing and Skyland Distributing. Both of his children also attended Athens Academy. Sinkwich's appointment as chairman marks the first time an alumnus has held the position. He expressed his gratitude for experiencing the school as a student, parent, and trustee, emphasizing the school's commitment to excellence in education and personal growth for students. He succeeds Carl Nichols in this role........ This from the Red and Black

1. CCSD announces accreditation:

The Clarke County School District in Athens has announced that it has received full system accreditation from Cognia, a non-profit organization specializing in quality assurance for educational institutions. This five-year accreditation is valid until the 2028-2029 school year. The accreditation acknowledges the district's commitment to maintaining productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation, and effective leadership. This achievement is distinct from the ongoing Cognia Special Review the district's Board of Education is undergoing. Superintendent Dr. Robbie Hooker highlighted the recognition's importance as a nationally recognized mark of quality and the district's dedication to continuous improvement. Cognia's rigorous process involves internal and external reviews, and this accreditation showcases CCSD's progress in impacting student learning…...this from WGAU

1. 
   
   Two men dead in Athens area murder-suicide

Two men were found dead on a farm in Oconee County, possibly in a murder-suicide. The incident occurred on a property south of Watkinsville, with 68-year-old Alan Powers and his 37-year-old son, William Allen Breedlove, identified as the victims. The Oconee County Sheriff's Office responded after Powers called 911, but he had already died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Powers had shot Breedlove with a pistol found at the scene. The authorities believe it was a murder-suicide due to Powers' call indicating he shot his son. The motive remains unclear, though it is suspected that an argument may have triggered the tragedy. The investigation continues……. This from the Red and black

1. UGA senior spots alligator in ‘too close for comfort’ encounter not far from campus

A University of Georgia (UGA) student, Alexa Leahy, had a surprising encounter with an alligator while walking the Firefly Trail near her apartment in Athens. The trail runs along the Oconee River not far from UGA's campus. Leahy initially mistook the alligator for a log but quickly realized what it was due to her experience with alligators in Florida and coastal Carolina. The biology major estimated the alligator to be larger than 6 or 7 feet. The sighting is rare this far north, and Leahy speculates that factors like global warming or improper pet ownership could be responsible. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is investigating the sighting and advises people to keep their distance and avoid feeding the alligator…...This from WSBTV

Social:

From Athen’s-Clarke County News Facebook page:

Chris Hayden posted “Athens, don’t go crazy but are there any Buckeye bars in town or at least a pub that will be showing the games?”

There were a lot of comments helping the fellow college football lover some helpful insights!

Some were not so nice

“Chuck-E-Cheese" Sim Doster

“In Ohio” Tom Soloman

“The correct answer is: Who cares” Frank Bishiop

And so many more

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