Kirby Smart responded to the latest driving-related incidents within his Georgia football program.
Georgia indefinitely suspended two players from team activities earlier this week. On March 19, Bulldogs wide receiver Nitro Tuggle was arrested for allegedly driving 107 mph outside Athens. Days later, offensive lineman Marques Easley was involved in a car crash.
On Tuesday, Smart told reporters he was “disappointed” in both players. He insisted the program has worked diligently to address its troubling trend of driving incidents.
“Both of them are younger players and have made crucial mistakes,” Smart said, via the Athens Banner-Herald’s Marc Weiszer. “As far as the process we’ve followed, it’s not been several months. It’s been several years in terms of defensive driving courses, having players ride and learn how to drive – just like my two kids did – with a driver service.”
Smart elaborated on the steps the university has taken to instruct players on driving responsibly.
“[Georgia athletic director] Josh Brooks has done a tremendous job meeting with every player,” Smart said. “We’ve had several speakers come in, and we continue to educate, and we’re not going to stop at that.”
Smart claimed many of his players come to college having never learned how to drive.
“It’s very unfortunate that one of those young men got his driver’s license within one month of that happening at 18 or 19 years old,” he said. “It’s amazing how many kids come to school without a driver’s license. So it’s no excuse, but it’s one of those things that we’ll continue to educate and discipline our guys to try to correct it.”
No Comment! Be the first one.