The winning track record of University of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart should go without question. The Bulldogs win and eventually send their players to the NFL. Yet, a pattern over the last few years has surfaced. Now, social media is buzzing with opinions regarding the latest news out of the SEC program.
Georgia Player Arrest Draws Criticism Toward Head Coach Kirby Smart
Heading into his 11th season, Smart has authored the most successful tenure in program history. With eight double-digit-win seasons to his credit, the Bulldogs have become a perennial threat in the SEC. At the same time, dozens of player arrests continue to draw criticism of the program.
On May 8, defensive back Ja’Marley Riddle was arrested for speeding and possession of a controlled substance. Social media lashed out, finding fault with a perceived lack of institutional control.
Riddle hasn’t played a down for UGA. He transferred to Georgia after a two-year, six-interception tenure at East Carolina.
“It’s time to start questioning Kirby Smart as a leader. Since 2021 UGA has had over 130 arrests and driving infractions just from the football team alone,” wrote college football info-satire account No3 Sports. The arrests range from marijuana possession to vehicle-involved deaths.
On March 1, 2023, star defensive lineman Jalen Carter was arrested for his involvement in a Jan. 15 street racing accident that killed teammate Devin Willock and Georgia staff member Chandler LeCroy. Both LeCroy and Carter were driving approximately 100 mph.
This was not Carter’s first run-in with the authorities. During the previous semester, authorities cited the future NFL Pro Bowler three times for traffic-related infractions.
During the following months, Willock’s father and one of the surviving passengers sued Carter and a group with strong Georgia ties.
“BREAKING: Georgia DB Ja’Marley Riddle was ARRESTED on two felony charges. Riddle was arrested for speeding at 100 MPH and possession of a controlled substance. When will it stop at Georgia?” commented College Football Portal.
While his program continues to result in an abundance of arrests, Smart seems to emerge unscathed. Yet, the voices are petitioning the NCAA to impose a harsh penalty.
“Georgia defensive back Ja’Marley Riddle has been arrested on felony drug charges and for weaving through traffic at around 95 MPH. The worst culture in CFB strikes again. (via Dawgs247),” stated CFB Dawgs.
Smart has led the Bulldogs to a 117-21 record with two national championships and a 9-4 bowl record. To this point, winning 84.8% of his team’s games helps keep Smart slightly above consequential criticism.
Read More: Zachariah Branch Arrest: What We Know About the Georgia WR’s Situation Ahead of Day 2 of NFL Draft
