Kirby Smart has proven to be a very successful coach at Georgia, but winning back-to-back national titles doesn’t absolve him from criticism.
Smart consistently recruits talented players to Georgia, no one will deny that. Unfortunately, there are serious concerns surrounding the culture he has built in Athens. Over the past few years, countless players have been arrested for various incidents. The bad news kept on coming this Tuesday morning, as wide receiver Colbie Young was arrested on battery and assault of an unborn child charges.
Young, a senior from New York, has recorded 11 catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns this season. His status with the Bulldogs is now up in the air.
“This is a pending legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time,” the athletic department for Georgia said.
While the Bulldogs wait for more information, college football fans are directing their frustration at Smart. They believe it’s time for him to get a grip on his program.
“An embarrassing last couple of years for Kirby Smart,” Brad Crawford wrote on X.
“I’m being like 90% serious when I say that Kirby smart should be under investigation,” one fan tweeted.
Another person said, “A coach can’t control every action by his players, but Georgia is lacking is leadership in a big way right now. I don’t know the details of this incident, but something isn’t working in Athens. It’s Kirby Smart’s job to figure it out.”
“Love Kirby Smart think he’s a great coach, but he’s got a culture problem,” a fourth person wrote. “Gonna be hard to go into a kids home and have his parents trust him to take care of their son and make him a better man at this point.”
Just two months ago, Smart dismissed Georgia wide receiver Rodarius “Rara” Thomas from the program. This was after he got arrested for family violence charges.
Even if Smart dismisses Young from the team, that won’t solve the main issue. There’s clearly a culture issue in Athens, and it’s up to the head coach to turn things around.
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