Devastating: Georgia Bulldogs and HC Kirby Smart Criticized for Controversial Handling of Legal Troubles, Driving Incidents
The Georgia Bulldogs program and head coach Kirby Smart have faced significant criticism from the college football community due to ongoing legal troubles involving team players.
Recent driving-related incidents involving prominent Bulldog players have drawn attention to Smart, with many fans and pundits arguing that he is not doing enough to prevent these issues.
Two separate driving-related incidents were tallied onto the Georgia Bulldogs recent history
Star defender Smael Mondon Jr. and offensive lineman Jonathan “Bo” Hughley were arrested for driving-related charges in early July.
Well that’s a good start at fixing that issue
— Penn State FB Thoughts (@PSU_FB_Thoughts) July 16, 2024
Hughley and Mondon Jr. both spent under two hours in jail before being released on a $26 bond. Hughley was arrested for reckless driving and failure to maintain lane after UGA police investigated a single-car incident. Mondon Jr. was arrested by Athens-Clarke County police on charges of reckless driving and racing. These incidents are the latest in a series of driving-related legal troubles for the Georgia Bulldogs.
There have been 24 separate legal incidents involving Georgia Bulldogs players in recent history
According to KTLA, there have been 24 separate driving-related incidents involving Georgia players since January 2023.
This dates back to the incident involving now-Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter, who was involved in a racing-related crash that resulted in the death of a Georgia teammate.
Need to fine Kirby six figures for only recruiting criminals
— Marlo Stanfield (@BooRxdley) July 16, 2024
Star transfer running back Trevor Etienne was arrested earlier in 2024 on DUI and reckless driving charges. An article from AJC noted that Etienne was informed his status as a public figure made his crimes more significant.
“You are a public figure, whether you realize that or not,” Judge Marcy Jolles told Etienne during the hearing, according to the Athens Banner-Herald. “What you do, people see because of your role at the university. I would hope that you make better choices in the future to set a better example for those who are watching.”
The continuation of driving-related incidents has led fans to question whether head coach Kirby Smart is doing enough to prevent these issues from happening in the future.
Head coach Kirby Smart says the incidents have resulted in fines for Georgia Bulldogs players
Smart has admitted that one of the methods he and the Bulldogs program have used to address these issues involves fines. In an article from ESPN, Smart stated that the NIL collective, not himself, has fined players for their actions.
“The [NIL] collective has fined players — substantially,” Smart said. “We’ve dismissed players that have been involved, and I’m talking about like routine traffic, repeated, repeated violations. … I actually think the best key is the pocket because you look at what the NFL has done, their model is to fine. And if you asked any of our players what they would rather have, they want their money. When I say substantial — very substantial — in terms of the hits that some guys have taken.”
Still, many fans believe that Smart and the Bulldogs could take a different approach to better control their players off the field.
Despite the off-field issues, Smart and the Bulldogs are still expected to make a deep playoff run in 2024. Their on-field performance remains highly anticipated despite the challenges off the field.