Kirby Smart confirmed that wide receiver Rara Thomas is no longer on the team following a recent arrest.
On July 26, Thomas was arrested for child cruelty and misdemeanor battery. The former Mississippi State transfer was also arrested for a domestic violence incident with his girlfriend shortly after joining the Georgia program in 2022.
Smart told reporters he informed Thomas of his dismissal on Tuesday.
“I let him know that he could no longer be a part of the football team,” Smith said Thursday, via Reggie Chatman Jr. of 11Alive News. “He understands that, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
Fans approved of Smart’s decision but were disheartened by the situation.
“Absolutely the right decision,” On3’s Dan Morrison wrote.
“Actions have consequences.
My hope is he learns from this,” a fan said. “People are not often given multiple chances for success in life too often. May he grow from this and be a better version of himself for his loved ones.”
“Rara was given opportunities at Georgia,” a Bulldogs fan wrote. “Sadly, he didn’t take them seriously enough. Best of luck going forward.”
“Good.
Great first step.
Now fix the CULTURE of the d*mn team,” a fan demanded.
Thomas caught 23 passes for 383 yards and a touchdown before a foot injury cost him the final three games of the season. The 6-foot-2 wideout previously scored 12 touchdowns in two seasons at Mississippi State.
His arrest is the latest in a troubling trend of off-field incidents involving Georgia football players. Twenty players have been arrested for reckless driving since the start of 2023 following two more cases last month.