Georgia coach Kirby Smart did not hold back in his criticism of backup safety Jake Pope’s actions, labeling them “just stupid” after the player appeared to celebrate with Ole Miss fans following the Rebels’ impressive 28-10 victory against the then-No. 3 ranked Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
During a news conference held on Monday, Smart elaborated, revealing that Pope had been celebrating with old friends from Buford High School in Georgia. “What an idiot. I mean, just stupid,” Smart stated emphatically, highlighting that he only learned about the incident that day. “He’s embarrassed about it. He’s upset about it. That’s obviously a childhood friend of his that he grew up and played with there at Buford and he knows him, hadn’t seen him in forever, but just not real smart.”
Smart emphasized, “To be honest with you, I don’t have time to waste energy on that. My focus is on Tennessee. I’m not worried about that.” His remarks reflect a pressing need to redirect attention toward the upcoming game.
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This Saturday night, the Bulldogs are set to host Tennessee in what could potentially be a College Football Playoff (CFP) elimination game at Sanford Stadium, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN+.
Pope, who transferred to Georgia this year after spending two seasons at Alabama, issued an apology via a statement on X, acknowledging the negative interpretation of his actions and the resulting distractions it caused for his teammates. “I was surprised to see them as well and that’s why you saw the reaction that I gave via the video,” he stated, expressing regrets about how the moment was perceived.
Pope conveyed his deep loyalty to the Bulldogs, saying, “I am Georgia through thick and thin and have never loved a group of guys more than the guys I go to battle with day in and day out.” He continued, “Lastly, and once again, I’m sorry to my teammates, coaches, and fans all around about the way that video looked, and I choose to move forward and get ready for a great rest of the season with my brothers.”
In a separate matter, Coach Smart confirmed that senior receiver Colbie Young will remain suspended until his legal situation is resolved. Young was arrested on October 8 on misdemeanor charges of battery and assault of an unborn child, according to Athens-Clarke County Jail records. Smart maintained the necessity of allowing the legal process to unfold.
On Wednesday, Young’s attorney, Kim Stephens, submitted an affidavit from the 20-year-old woman involved in the incident, stating she wished for all charges against Young to be dropped. In her affidavit, she claimed that the police report was “slanted and does not accurately portray what occurred on Oct. 8.”
The woman explained, “Colbie asked me to leave more than once while I was there. I did not leave until I became upset with him and did not think our conversation was productive.” She asserted, “Colbie did not place his hands on me in any way during the conversation and argument that was inappropriate or unwanted.”
She also stated she requested the Athens-Clarke County solicitor general’s office to dismiss the charges against Young. “The legal process has got to play itself out,” Smart indicated. “Look, we want to support Colbie where we can. We’ll continue to provide him with access to our facilities and support resources we have, whether that’s the academic center, the training room, mental health, or weight room.” Young’s arraignment is set for December 10, marking a crucial upcoming date in this ongoing situation.
**Interview with Mark Schlabach, ESPN Senior Writer**
**Editor:** Welcome, Mark! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent events surrounding Georgia football and the controversy involving safety Jake Pope. Let’s dive right in. How do you assess Kirby Smart’s reaction to Pope’s actions after the loss to Ole Miss?
**Mark Schlabach:** Thanks for having me. Kirby Smart’s reaction was typical for him—he’s very passionate about his team and the culture he’s building. His comments about Pope were pretty blunt, describing the celebration as “just stupid.” It’s clear he feels that any distraction from the game, especially after a loss, isn’t acceptable.
**Editor:** Pope was seen celebrating with friends from his hometown, but it seems like this incident has become more about the implications for the team moving forward. How do you think this will affect team morale or focus as they prepare for Tennessee?
**Mark Schlabach:** That’s the crucial part. Smart emphasized that he doesn’t want to waste energy on distractions, and he’s focusing on the upcoming game against Tennessee, which has significant Playoff implications. It’ll be interesting to see how the team rallies around this incident—sometimes, these sorts of situations can either unify a team or create division, but they’ve been a strong group so far.
**Editor:** Pope has issued an apology and expressed his loyalty to the Bulldogs. How important is it for players to be in sync with their team’s image and expectations, especially during high-pressure times like this?
**Mark Schlabach:** It’s incredibly important. College football is not just about individual prowess; it’s about the team ethos. Being in sync with team culture helps players understand what’s at stake, especially as they gear up for big games. Pope’s apology was a step in the right direction, showing awareness and accountability—but it will take more than words; he’ll need to lead by example on the field moving forward.
**Editor:** With the upcoming game against Tennessee being potentially a College Football Playoff elimination game, how do you see this incident impacting game strategy or mindset going in?
**Mark Schlabach:** The immediate need for Georgia will be to stay focused on the game plan and not let outside distractions like this influence their performance. Coaches often use these kinds of moments as teaching opportunities. It can serve as a reminder of what’s on the line and keep their heads in the game.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mark. Your insights are always appreciated as we navigate the complexities of college football.
**Mark Schlabach:** Thanks for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the sport and its nuances.
