The Georgia football program is unquestionably one of the best, if not the best, in the country, across the past decade. With eleven bowl game victories, two national titles, and one undefeated season, only the Alabama Crimson Tide come close to matching their accomplishments. Georgia remains elite on the field, but off-the-field issues have plagued the team. Since 2016, the first year under head coach Kirby Smart, the team has had 47 incidents or arrests for reckless driving or DUI.
On Friday, wideout Rara Thomas found himself in hot water, being arrested on charges of cruelty towards children. It is his second felony since 2023. Smart has since responded to the disturbing legal issues surrounding the program, sharing his disappointment with The Athletic’s Brett McMurphy.
Georgia Football: Continuous Legal Issues
Rara Thomas’ arrest on Friday only continues the theme of Georgia football players running into serious and consequential legal issues. Before Thomas, the program dealt with numerous driving-related incidents. Since head coach Kirby Smart started his tenure in 2016, 47 incidents or arrests for reckless driving or DUI have been reported. More disturbingly, 24 came after the unfortunate deaths of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy. The Georgia football duo heartbreakingly passed away in a driving-related incident circa 2023. Smart has since responded to the ongoing legal issues surrounding reckless driving, emphasizing the program is taking the necessary steps to avoid further problems.
Kirby Smart about his players’ 24 driving violations: “The No. 1 thing I’m disappointed. Anytime you have situation like that you want your players to make better decisions. I always say you can't be outcome related & I'm very disappointed in the outcomes but I am very pleased…
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 26, 2024
“The No. 1 thing I’m disappointed. Anytime you have a situation like that, you want your players to make better decisions. I always say you can’t be outcome-related & I’m very disappointed in the outcomes. Still, I am very pleased with the process we put in regarding education, driver safety, requiring defensive driving & education. …We have a really good locker room & I feel really good about that. I love the players we have,” said Smart regarding the alarming issues surrounding his program. Despite the off-the-field problems, Georgia remains the favorite to win the College Football Playoff, holding a slight edge over Ohio State, Oregon, and Texas.
Georgia Football: Looking for Third Title in Four Years
Despite a 13-1 record in the hyper-competitive SEC, the Georgia football program failed to make the CFP last year, foiling their chances at becoming back-to-back-to-back national champions. With the CFP expanding to 12 teams next season, Georgia is eyeing a third championship in four years. Heisman Trophy Award frontrunner Carson Beck will return as the quarterback for Georgia. The redshirt senior threw for 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six picks in 14 games last season. He completed 72% of his passes.
Georgia also welcomes two elite offensive playmakers via the transfer portal. Florida Gators transfer Trevor Etienne projects to start at running back after totaling 1,710 yards and 15 touchdowns since 2022. Meanwhile, Miami transfer Colbie Young could play a significant role outside. Young tallied 47 receptions, 563 yards, and five scores last season with the Hurricanes.
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