Family speaks after arrest of suspect in student shooting
The suspect in the shooting of a University of Georgia student is in the Clarke County jail: 20 year-old Zarren Garner is from Grayson in Gwinnett County. That is where he was arrested. The shooting of 22 year-old Tate Prezzano happened early Monday while the junior from Alpharetta was waiting at a bus stop on South Milledge Avenue. Athens-Clarke County Police say Prezzano, a lacrosse player at UGA, was wounded during a robbery, shot by the same man suspected in another armed robbery moments earlier, also on South Milledge. His family says Prezzano is expected to make a complete recovery. From Tyesha Fernandes, WSB TV… The University of Georgia lacrosse player who was shot during a robbery Monday afternoon is doing well, according to his family. Tate Prezzano, a 22-year-old from Milton, was shot multiple times at a bus stop near campus. Prezzano’s father, Dobbin Prezzano, said his son was shot in and around the head and neck area. He said his son was able to give him a “thumbs up” Tuesday morning. “I can tell you, based on what Tate went through, which were gunshots in and around, you know, his head and neck area, we're blessed and thankful for the conversation we’re having today,” Dobbin Prezzano said at a news conference Tuesday morning. At that same news conference, police announced an arrest in the case. Zarren Garner, 20, was taken into custody overnight in Gwinnett County. Investigators told Channel 2 Action News that they believe Garner had just robbed another man nearby, and then tried to rob Tate Prezzano. 'He was one of the first guys I met and I knew right away he would be a captain for the team, just that kind of leader,' said Mike D’Andraia, a lacrosse coach at Cambridge High School. Tate Prezzano played for the Cambridge lacrosse team from 2011-2015. He also played football. D’Andraia said Tate Prezzano always came back to where it all started and always wanted to help the younger guys coming up. 'He coached with me every summer at our youth program, works at my camp every summer. The kids all love him, the parents all love him – just an awesome personality,' he said. The Milton community is praying for Prezzano and they know his strength is the reason why he survived 'Everyone is just really shocked that it can happen to someone you know – everyone is so grateful that he's gonna make a recovery – that’s what we’re being told. I don’t know anybody that ever said a bad word about him, he was just a super great kid. I can’t wait to see him again,' he said. His former teammates that he played with on the field have been up at the hospital showing their support since the shooting. Their coach said they will all be with him every step of the way.
One football recruiting staffer fired, another suspended
There was no immediate word on why, but the University of Georgia has fired one staffer in its football recruiting office and suspended another. Recruiting relations coordinator Dacia King was fired and Lukman Abdulai, UGA’s director of on-campus recruiting, is suspended for 30 days without pay.From Chip Towers, AJC DawgNation… “I’m not talking about any personnel stuff,” Georgia Athletic Director Greg McGarity said. “Regardless of what the position is, I just don’t comment on personnel decisions or matters. Sorry.” McGarity also declined comment when asked whether violations of NCAA or SEC rules were involved. The personnel actions come on the heels of what was thought to be an exceptional recruiting weekend for the Bulldogs surrounding the annual G-Day spring game. Georgia got a commitment from 4-star offensive lineman Akinola Ogunbiyi of Sugar Land, Texas, on Saturday, and one from 4-star defensive back Jalen Kimber of Georgia’s 2020 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 10 in 247Sports.com’s composite team rankings. The Bulldogs have finished with national recruiting rankings of 6, 3, 1 and 2 in last four years. King was hired into her current position in May of 2018. A recruiting program coordinator typically serves as a liaison between prospective student-athletes and the Georgia coaching staff and helps plan visits and set itineraries. She holds double degrees from UGA in marketing and sport management. Abdulai has been with Georgia since 2013 but was named director of on-campus recruiting in January of 2016, shortly after Kirby Smart became head coach. A University of Illinois graduate, Abdulai received a masters in kinesiology from UGA in 2014. DawgNation will provide more information when it comes available.
Former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton is in Athens this evening: the daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton is signing copies of her new children’s book beginning at 7 o’clock tonight at Avid Bookstore on Prince Avenue. “Don’t Let Them Disappear: Twelve Endangered Species Across the Globe” is a picture book. From publisher Penguin Random House… In this book, Chelsea Clinton introduces young readers to a selection of endangered animals, sharing what makes them special, and also what threatens them. Taking readers through the course of a day, Don’t Let Them Disappear talks about rhinos, tigers, whales, pandas and more, and provides helpful tips on what we all can do to help prevent these animals from disappearing from our world entirely.
