Georgia grapples with driving violations as Smart says players are being fined from NIL payments
Georgia coach Kirby Smart says Bulldogs players who have been arrested or cited for driving violations have been disciplined with suspensions and fines through the collective that provides name, image and likeness payments to the school’s athletes
DALLAS (AP) — Georgia players who have been arrested or cited for driving violations have been disciplined with suspensions and fines through the collective that provides name, image and likeness payments to the school's athletes, coach Kirby Smart said Tuesday.
Football players at the school have been involved in 24 driving-related violations (DUI, reckless driving or speeding), The Atlanta-Journal Constitution has reported, including a crash that killed a player and a recruiting staffer in January 2023.
“The incidents that have been happening off the field are not something we condone,” Smart told a small group of reporters before taking the stage at SEC Media Days. “It’s very unfortunate, disappointing, I guess is the best word."
Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy were killed in a car crash in Jan. 15, 2023, just days after the Bulldogs won the national title game.
