Kirby Smart led Georgia to a victory over Mississippi State on Saturday night in a college football battle of the Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium in Athens. However, he does not remember shoving the opposing quarterback during a heated exchange on the sideline.
The 48-year-old head coach insists that it was not on purpose because he was caught up in the moment.
Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. was tackled near the Georgia sideline after a six-yard run late in the fourth quarter. The freshman signal-caller got up from the turf and tried to make his way back onto the field for the next play. As he did, a visibly angry Smart took off his visor and shoved him, hard.
He even extended his elbow and knocked Van Buren off-balance— but not down.
— Dayne Young (@dayneyoung) October 12, 2024
Smart was not penalized for his actions. The game continued without interruption.
Although nothing was called on the field, Smart received a lot of criticism from college football fans, Mississippi State fans, and even some Georgia fans. In no situation should a coach put his hands on a player from the other team. Especially in such a physical manner.
Kirby Smart claims it was an accident!
When asked about what happened during his postgame press conference, the two-time national champion college football coach claimed that he was trying to get to defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann. Van Buren just so happened to be in his way. The push was not intentional, from what Smart can remember at least.
I think I was going after Schumann. I was trying to get Schumann’s attention. We were trying to change personnel. I think it’s the play they came over to our sideline and trying to get Schumann’s attention. But, no, I don’t really remember it.
— Kirby Smart
Van Buren was also asked about the incident. He has since moved on.
I’m not really sure what that was but I was just trying to play my game. I didn’t really see it for real.
— Michael Van Buren Jr.
Although neither party involved with the awkward sideline moment can recall exactly what went down, the internet does not forget. It was clear as day on the SEC Network broadcast.
Kirby Smart extended his elbow into Mississippi State’s quarterback, which should not happen.
It seems unlikely that any kind of punishment will be administered by the conference. However, there are people out there who want Smart to be suspended for his actions. We shall see.