Turmoil in Athens Before College Football Playoff

Athens is buzzing with incidents as the College Football Playoff approaches. Reports indicate that Georgia football’s freshman offensive lineman, Dontrell Glover, and running back, Bo Walker, were arrested on shoplifting charges this past Friday.

The two were taken into custody around 5:30 p.m. ET on misdemeanor charges and were released shortly after 8 p.m. on a $1,526 bond.

“We are aware of the situation and are currently gathering more information,” Georgia State spokesman Steve Drummond noted. He mentioned to ESPN that, “This is a pending legal matter, and we won’t be commenting further at this time.”

It remains to be seen how this incident will impact their participation in the playoffs, where the third-seeded Bulldogs (12-1) are set to face the winner of the No. 6 Ole Miss and No. 11 Tulane matchup on January 1.

Glover has been a key player, starting at right guard for the last 11 games, which could affect the team’s dynamics as they head into the playoffs.

A Fairburn, Georgia native, Glover recently earned SEC All-Freshman honors.

Walker, hailing from Ellenwood, Ga., saw action in six games, accumulating 104 yards on 22 carries and scoring three touchdowns, all of which came during the Bulldogs’ 35-3 victory over Charlotte on November 29.

Georgia has had its share of legal issues under head coach Kirby Smart, including an incident earlier this season when reserve offensive lineman Niel Daniels was dismissed after being arrested for allegedly driving over 150 mph while trying to evade law enforcement.

“I haven’t had a chance to talk to him or his family, but it’s clear he will no longer be with us,” Smart commented last month.

Looking ahead, Georgia’s potential game to advance to the CFP championship could pit them against either No. 2 Ohio State or the winner of the No. 7 Texas A&M vs. No. 10 Miami matchup.

The Bulldogs currently hold the third-best odds (+600) to clinch the national title on FanDuel.