Sports

Dawgs Bite Back At AJC For Making ‘Unsubstantiated Allegations’ Against Program

by Last Updated
A Georgia football helmet on the sidelines during the spring game.

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The Georgia football program has demanded a retraction from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution of an article they cite as being “reckless.” That piece referenced serious issues surrounding the UGA team.

Over the last few weeks, the AJC has called out players for recent infractions, some of which include speeding, street racing, DUI, and sexual assault/domestic violence.

There’s no denying the staggering number of traffic violations, one of which led to the death of a player and staff member, as well as an arrest warrant for first-round pick Jalen Carter.

This retraction, however, focuses on the sexual assault and domestic violence claims.

The story in question, written by Alan Judd, was titled, UGA football program rallies when players accused of abusing women. The publication wrote that it had identified a number of players from the Kirby Smart era who remained on the team after women reported violent encounters to police.

“Athletes often remain on the team despite sexual assault, domestic violence allegations.”

UGA has now responded to the piece, which it deems inaccurate.

“Mr. Judd’s article is replete with errors, unsubstantiated allegations, innuendo, and possibly even fabrications,” a letter from the school read. “This article stands out on its reckless disregard for the truth.”

After contacting Judd about the story, Georgia asked him to name the 11 football players that met the description he referenced in the story. He responded by saying the AJC has a policy against releasing unpublished information.

Many around the college football world have been quick to comment retraction demand.

Josh Pate wasn’t surprised as he’d touched on this topic in a prior podcast. “UGA sent the AJC something, huh?” he posted on Twitter.

Sports show host Jake Crain said, “I don’t blame UGA for trying to defend themselves. Georgia’s biggest rival isn’t GT, UF or Auburn, it’s the AJC.”

Dayne Young of UGASports.com wrote, “Remember the adage ‘report the news, don’t become the news?’… The AJC has become the news.”

By issuing the retraction demand now, the Georgia football team can get out in front of the issue before SEC Media Days. It will be interesting to see how it plays out over the coming weeks.