After the Georgia Bulldogs notched their second straight National Championship victory this past season, some postseason arrests and off-field issues called Kirby Smart’s team culture into question.
During SEC Media Days on Tuesday, Smart was asked about this growing negative perception of his Georgia program.
“I would say talk to any of the players within our organization,” Smart replied, via On3 Sports. “Talk to the retention rate that we keep with our players. Our players respect the fact that they’re under a microscope and that they always will be as athlete. But we’ve got one of the highest-character, highest GPA, one of the best teams we’ve had. I’m very confident about our team and our culture.”
The most highly-publicized off-field incident involving the Georgia program was the fatal car crash that killed lineman Devon Willock and staffer Chandler LeCroy. Top-10 NFL Draft pick Jalen Carter was arrested and charged with reckless driving/racing in connection to this tragic accident.
“I’m disappointed anytime we have traffic incidents,” Smart continued. “You know, it’s very evident. When you look at it, we’ve had traffic citations and incidents throughout the history of being at the University of Georgia. And we actually don’t have more now than we’ve had in the past. So what concerns me most is the safety of our players. Alright?
“And when you drive at high speeds, it’s unsafe, and we don’t want that to happen. We’re going to do all we can to take that out. And make sure that’s eradicated.”
Smart and the Bulldogs are hoping to avoid any more of these off-field issues as they go after their third straight national title.