Georgia coach Kirby Smart After the Bulldogs' loss to the Rebels over the weekend, the Bulldogs apologized for calling backup safety Jake Pope, who appeared to be celebrating with Mississippi State fans, an “idiot,” and revealed that Pope had joined the team after the incident. He added that he spoke directly.
Pope went viral on social media after he was seen participating in mississippi state fans It hit the field after Georgia lost 28-10.
Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Walter Blanchard, 28, defensive back Jake Pope, 22, and Georgia Bulldogs running back Nate after an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 2.・Frazier (3 years old) and placekicker Peyton Woodring (91 years old) celebrate, In 2024, the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Florida Gators 34-20 at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. (Cory Perine/Florida Times Union)
He later apologized in a lengthy post, explaining that he was surprised not by Georgia's loss, but by seeing a family friend attending the game and reacting to it.
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“This in no way represents me,” the pope said in a statement. “I've never been happy about losing to this program in any way, shape or form, and anyone who knows me well knows that. After the game, I was walking off the field. Suddenly, long-time family friends approached me, evacuated to safety, and very excited to see me after the game.
Pope said the reason they wore Ole Miss jerseys was because they were also close to one of the Rebels players.
Fans flood the field after the game between the Mississippi Rebels and Georgia Bulldogs at Vought-Hemingway Stadium on November 9, 2024 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
However, Smart had already spoken publicly about the incident before issuing his apology.
“What an idiot. I mean, just an idiot,” Smart told the media after the game.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart reacts to players celebrating with Ole Miss fans, calling them “what an idiot.''
But after further reflection, the longtime coach apologized Tuesday for his choice of words.
“I don't like commenting on what's going on internally. He talked to the team and did a great job. I say I shouldn't have called that kid stupid, but that was my mistake.” But I'm grateful to Jake. ”
Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart reacts during warm-ups before a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vought-Hemingway Stadium. (Petre Thomas Iman image)
Smart continued, “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 communicated that to the team. So I I appreciate the way he handled things.”
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Saturday's loss puts Georgia out of reach. 12 team playoff bracket on tuesday. They host Tennessee State on Saturday night.
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