Once again, the Georgia football program is making headlines for the wrong reasons following yet another player being arrested for traffic violations.
Since the tragic crash that killed Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy on Jan. 15, 2023, Georgia players have been involved in at least 30 arrests or citations for speeding, reckless driving, or racing, among other violations.
Coach Smart spoke on these incidents prior to the season beginning, saying, “The incidents that we’ve had off the field are not something that that we condone. It’s very unfortunate, disappointing I guess is the best word. I always talk about process and outcomes. I talked about that with wins and losses that we try not to base things on the outcomes with wins and losses. In this situation, the outcomes are very disappointing.”
This situation has moved from a concern, to a problem, to a meme and now to a rallying cry across the country for Kirby Smart to take action. Even members of the media, such as CBS Sports Josh Pate, are coming after the Georgia head coach and his program.
“It’s pretty pathetic.”@JoshPateCFB on the latest Georgia arrest. pic.twitter.com/ZcwKPOMTqr
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) September 14, 2024
The idea that Kirby Smart has really done nothing to curtail this problem is picking up steam everywhere, and fans are not being kind with their words about an issue that just won't seem to stop for the Dawgs.
I see people making jokes about the Georgia players driving arrests.
— Jake “JBOY” Crain (@JakeCrain_) September 13, 2024
This shit isn’t funny. You are putting people in danger because you’re a dumbass.
Kirby needs to figure this out.
Yes, Kirby Smart has established a winning culture at Georgia, but at what cost?
— BossMan DLuther Vandross (@c_drew_) September 13, 2024
- 2 deaths
- 20+ driving related arrests
I know after 35 arrests in 18 months people are asking if Kirby smart has lost control of the Georgia football program. They should be asking if he’s the one leading the street racing and why Athens is the only city that the cops give this level of focus to arresting players.
— Cryptoterrestrial Society Enjoyer (@IndSocEnjoyer) September 14, 2024
Is Georgia recruiting their players from prison? 25 arrests in less than 2 years, it’s like the longest yard over there
— ALIWOOD (@Indigoali33) September 14, 2024
at what point does this become a bigger story? good lord how many arrests for Georgia is this now? https://t.co/3ULh50i7I0
— DucksF(EBU)C (@DucksFC11) September 13, 2024
The internet never forgets and can sometimes be cruel, but to those on the outside looking in have a point, or have no clue about what's going on?
You’re an idiot if you think 25 arrests are remotely ok after a Georgia staffer killed herself and other players a year ago. That alone did nothing to change the culture at UGA. If Kirby had an ounce of integrity it would’ve been a zero tolerance from that moment forward. 🤡
— cluck (@camluckey) September 14, 2024
This will continue to be a topic of discussion as the season goes on, particularly if Georgia makes a deep postseason run with any players involved in these incidents making an impact for the Bulldogs.
It's certain that Kirby Smart will be asked about these arrests after tonight's game against Kentucky, and how he responds or if he even says anything could add fuel to this already blazing fire.