Kirby Smart Addresses Concerns over UGA Football Driving | "Disappointing"
DALLAS - UGA Football coach Kirby Smart told reporters Tuesday that he was disappointed with UGA's multiple driving violations this offseason.
“The incidents we have had off the field are not something we condone - very unfortunate. Disappointing, I guess, is the best way (to describe it). ,” Kirby said Tuesday morning at SEC Media Days.
Kirby added that the Dawgs’ collective has been punishing players for some time.
“For over a year our collective has been substantially fining guys for those things,” Kirby said Tuesday. “That's is something that has been ongoing outside of my jurisdiction that they decided to do - to a considerable amount. I do think the effective way in curtailing some things is to go into their wallet and fine them. These fines have been substantial. It will make you think twice about the mistakes you make.”
The 9th-year head coach had not previously addressed another set arrests and traffic citations that occurred a week ago in Athens.
“We do as much or more education as anyone in the country. We have disciplined in the form of suspension, and we will continue to do so. We will have suspensions coming out of these. We had them last year. We've also had to let guys go as a result of it,” Kirby said. “We are searching and tring to find the best ways.”
On Tuesday, UGA OL Bo Hughley was arrested for failure to maintain lane/improper driving on road and reckless driving. On Wednesday, UGA LB Smael Mondon was arrested on misdemeanor charges of racing on highways/streets and reckless driving.
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“There is a lot of remorse from these young men who have made mistakes,” Kirby added.
Earlier this year UGA WR Sacovie White was charged with reckless driving and driving down the wrong way of a road in May. UGA RB Trevor Etienne was charged with DUI, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane/improper driving on road and affixing materials that reduce the visibility of windows/windshield in March. On Wednesday, Etienne pleded no contest to a reckless driving charge, but authorities dropped all DUI charges in the case.
According to reporting from the Athens Banner-Herald, UGA football players have been “arrested or cited for speeding, reckless driving or racing at least 24 times” in the last 19 months.