Breaking: Georgia Bulldogs teammates among players suspended for…….
Reports state that while a recruit, Georgia DL Jamaal Jarrett was accused of sexual assault and underage drinking.
Alarms are raised by a comprehensive study on claims of sexual assault at Georgia under coach Kirby Smart.
Despite breaking curfew, drinking alcohol with potential teammates at an Athens bar, and being taken to a police station under investigation for sexual assault when he was 16 years old, Georgia signed 2023 defensive line prospect Jamaal Jarrett, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (subscription required). The program’s treatment of charges of sexual abuse is being examined more broadly, and this includes the in-depth reporting on the accusations against Jarrett.
The report states that after the complainant called 911, a team administrator showed up at the hotel where the event happened and spoke with the police. During the police inquiry, the official allegedly sat with Jarrett and one of the detectives mentioned “my beloved Bulldogs.” In July of 2022, Jarrett, a player ranked in the top 100 for the Class of 2023, committed to Georgia. He later signed with the Bulldogs, but his case against the university was not concluded until August 18 of the same year.
There’s also discussion of an earlier lawsuit involving former Georgia linebacker Adam Anderson. Anderson was accused with criminal rape after turning himself in to the police on November 10, 2021. Eight Georgia football players, including well-known players like defensive lineman Jalen Carter, running back James Cook, and linebacker Quay Walker, spoke in support of Anderson’s character and argued for his release during his bond hearing.
Then, Anderson’s lawyer informed the judge that he had given Smart a “promise” that the players supporting Anderson would be released early so they could resume their football careers. As per the article, the athletic department refuted any involvement of Smart in sending athletes to Anderson’s hearing. After being charged, Anderson received an indefinite suspension and was never allowed to play for the Bulldogs again.
According to the research, eleven players have stayed with the team during Kirby Smart’s tenure despite women reporting violent incidents to the university, police, or both.
The university issued a statement to the Journal-Constitution that read, “The University of Georgia and athletic association consider any allegation of sexual assault or domestic abuse to be a very serious matter, and we take swift and appropriate action in response to allegations when warranted by law enforcement or internal investigations.” “Students, staff, student-athletes, and other members of the university community are all subject to this policy. In addition to facing additional sports program disciplinary actions, such as suspension and expulsion from the team, student-athletes are subject to the same disciplinary procedures as regular students.”
The Journal-Constitution previously conducted an investigation that exposed the involvement of numerous Smart players in illegal actions such as speeding, street racing, and drunk driving. Athletes are usually spared serious repercussions and permitted to resume competing.
