Georgia’s Smart calls backup Pope an “idiot” for seemingly celebrating the loss to Ole Miss after the game

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Georgia backup safety Jake Pope apologized Monday after a Video of him showing up to celebrate following the Bulldogs 28-10 defeat On the field in Mississippi with the Rebels fans, Georgia coach Kirby Smart drew heavy criticism.

Pope said in one Statement he posted on X He was surprised to see longtime family friends from his hometown of Buford, Georgia, on the field. He said his friends, including one wearing the jersey of Ole Miss offensive lineman Reece McIntyre, also of Buford, “were extremely excited to see me after the game.” I was surprised to see them, too. And that’s why you saw the reaction I gave about the video.”

In the video, a smiling pope jumped up and down with his friends.

Asked about the video on Monday, Smart said: “What an idiot. I mean, just stupid. I haven’t seen it to this day, but he’s embarrassed. He is upset about this. This is obviously a friend from his childhood that he grew up playing with over there in Buford, and he knows him, hasn’t seen him in ages, but he’s just not that smart.”

Georgia lost nine places after the loss ranked No. 11 in the Associated Press Top 25. The Bulldogs return home to play No. 6 Tennessee on Saturday night.

Pope released his apology shortly after Smart’s press conference.

“First and foremost, I want to apologize for taking it out of perspective and causing distraction/turmoil for my teammates and coaches,” Pope said. “This is in no way representative of me.” And there is no way I would ever celebrate a loss in this program. And anyone who knows me well knows that.”

Pope transferred from Alabama to Georgia and has played in three games this season.

Ole Miss fans rushed the field before the end of the game and again after the game, and Pope said, “I was trying to get off the field to safety” when he was surprised by his friends.

“I’ve been Georgia through thick and thin and have never loved a group of guys more than the guys I fight with day in and day out,” Pope said. “Finally, I would like to say again that I am completely sorry to my teammates, coaches and fans for the way this video looked.”

Smart said he won’t focus on Pope’s mistakes.

“To be honest, I don’t have time to waste energy on this,” Smart said. “Do you know what I’m saying? My focus is on Tennessee. I’m not worried about that.”

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