Georgia coach Kirby Smart says he went too far when he called backup safety Jake Pope an “idiot” for appearing to celebrate with Mississippi fans following the Bulldogs’ loss to the Rebels last week. Pope issued an apology on Monday for his actions that were captured on video after the Bulldogs' 28-10 loss at Ole Miss.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 28-10. Mississippi fans brings down the goal post at the end of an NCAA college football game against Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 28-10. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi on Saturday, Nov.
ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Tuesday he went too far when he called backup safety Jake Pope an “idiot” for appearing to celebrate with Mississippi fans following the Bulldogs’ loss to the Rebels last week.When asked about the video on Monday, Smart said: “What an idiot. I mean just stupid. I didn’t see it until today, but he’s embarrassed about it. He’s upset about it.”
One day later, Smart regretted his choice of words and complimented Pope for the way he explained the situation to his teammates. “I’ll say I should not have called the kid an idiot and that was a mistake by me, but I appreciate Jake,” Smart said. “He’s a great kid. He works really hard. He’s a team player. I think he knows it was an emotional mistake, and he told the team that. So, I appreciate the way he handled it.”he was surprised to see longtime family friends from his hometown of Buford, Georgia, on the field.
In the video, a smiling Pope jumped up and down with his friends. His actions looked especially bad to Georgia fans because Pope was surrounded by Ole Miss fans who rushed onto the field, making it appear he was joining their celebration.“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,” Pope said. “Lastly, and once again, I’m sorry to my teammates, coaches and fans all around about the way that video looked.
Jake Pope Georgia Bulldogs GA State Wire TN State Wire Georgia Bulldogs Football AP Top 25 College Football Poll MS State Wire Sports Kirby Smart Mississippi Rebels Georgia
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