Getty Image
Kirby Smart is at the top of the college football world when it comes to coaching. The Georgia leader has lost just two games across the last three seasons while racking up a pair of national titles.
That said, he continues to receive criticism for the culture of his program.
Much of the backlash comes due to a string of Bulldog arrests dating back to the start of 2023. Shortly after Smart picked up his second championship win in Athens, a player and staff member were killed in a drag racing incident that also involved first-round pick Jalen Carter.
Despite the tragedy, the driving related issues remain.
Since that January day, at least two dozen UGA players have been apprehended by police due to suspicions of speeding, reckless driving, or DUI. And these incidents don’t include the non-driving related arrests the Bulldogs have experienced.
Kirby Smart initially denied a “culture problem” in Athens when pressed on the topic at ’23 SEC Media Days. He’s since taken a bit harsher stance, revealing his intention to fine rule breakers with the issues persisting into 2024.
While he searches for an answer on how to get control of his team, criticisms grow.
Florida coach Billy Napier took a vicious shot at Smart when speaking on his own roster this offseason.
“I’m a firm believer that better people are better football players. We’ll prove that this fall.”
Napier is far from the only critic. That said, Smart’s recently taken his most drastic step in righting the ship.
Kirby Smart kicked Rara Thomas off the team.
After his second felony arrest in Athens, the transfer wide receiver has been let go.
Thomas was arrested on charges of false imprisonment in January of 2023, though they’d later be dropped with his completion of a PTI program. He was then booked on cruelty to children and family violence battery this offseason.
“On Rara, I had a chance to sit down and meet with him face to face on Tuesday, which I think is really important,” Smart said in a press conference on Thursday. “I let him know that he’ll no longer be a part of the football team. We wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
Kirby Smart begins his press conference today announcing that he met with WR Rara Thomas and he was told he will no longer be part of the Georgia football team. @11AliveNews pic.twitter.com/ZC09NVSkLe
— Reggie Chatman Jr. (@ReggieChatman) August 1, 2024
In this particular instance, Thomas is one of the non-driving related offenders, though he was cited for three traffic incidents earlier this offseason to add to his never-ending list of infractions.
And these felony charges appear to be the most serious.
The wideout received a slap on the wrist after his first arrest, as well as for the numerous speeding issues, but now, Kirby Smart is bringing down the hammer.
Will it be a trend that continues?
From the outside, Smart seems to have been relatively lenient in terms of punishment in the past. Maybe a new wave is coming. It’s clear the previous approach isn’t working.