Kirby Smart makes U-turn after calling Georgia star ‘idiot’ over Ole Miss embarrassment

Kirby Smart has apologized to Georgia defensive back Jake Pope after dubbing him an “idiot” in the aftermath of Saturday’s shock defeat to Ole Miss.
The Bulldogs dropped to 7-2 on the season – and No. 11 in the rankings – after succumbing to a 28-10 loss to the Rebels at Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium.
After the game, though, attention turned to a video clip circulating on social media that showed sophomore safety Pope in high spirits with people wearing Ole Miss jerseys as he exited the field, leading to accusations from fans that he was celebrating the loss.
Head coach Smart was furious, telling reporters “What an idiot” when being asked about the video in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.
Pope has since clarified that the people in the video were close friends who surprised him at the game, where they were also watching an unnamed mutual friend who plays for Ole Miss.
Pope apologized to his teammates for the way he came across in the video and Smart has also backtracked, admitting he crossed a line with his comments.
“I should not have called the kid an idiot,” Smart said. “You know, I don’t like to comment on the internal stuff going on inside. He did talk to the team and did a great job. You know, I’ll say I should not have called the kid an idiot. That was a mistake by me.
“But I appreciate Jake. 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 told the team that. So, I appreciate the way he handled it.”
Pope posted a length message on social media giving his side of the story. He said: “First and for most I want to say sorry for the way it was taken out of perspective and has caused distractions and commotion for my teammates and coaches.
“This is not representative of who I am in any way. In no way, shape or form would I ever celebrate a loss in this program and anyone who knows me well knows that.
“My longtime family friends had come up to me unexpectedly after the game as I was trying to get off the field to safety [as fans stormed the field] and were extremely excited to see me after the game. I was also surprised to see them as well and that’s why you saw the reaction that I gave via the video.
“They are also very close with my former teammate and longtime friend on the Ole Miss team which is why they have those jerseys on. They have come to my games as well.
“I am Georgia through thick and thin and have never loved a group of guys more than the guys I go to battle with day in and day out.
“Lastly, and once again, I’m sorry to my teammates, coaches, and fans all around about the way that video looked, and I choose to move forward and get ready for a great rest of the season with my brothers. Go Dawgs.”