Smart Criticizes Former Alabama DB for Celebrating Following Loss

As Ole Miss students and fans stormed the field at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium following the Rebels' 28-10 upset win over Georgia, which marked the Bulldogs' first loss against a non-Alabama opponent since 2020, former Alabama and current Georgia defensive back, Jake Pope was seen seemingly celebrating with Ole Miss fans.

Smart would address the video in his Monday press conference:

“What an idiot. Just stupid,” Smart stated, “I didn’t see it until today. He’s embarrassed about it. He’s upset about it. That’s obviously a childhood friend of his, they grew up and played with at Buford. Hadn’t seen him in forever. Just not real smart."

The Georgia head coach then quickly turned his attention away from Pope and toward next Saturday, "But to be honest, I don’t have time to waste energy on that. You know what I’m saying? My focus is on Tennessee. I’m not real worried on that.”

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Pope would address the video on social media, stating:

"First and for most I want to say sorry for the way it was taken out of perspective and has caused distractions/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 long time family friends had came up to me unexpectedly after the game as I was trying to get off the field to safety and were extremely excited to see me after the game. [...] They are also very close with my former teammate and long time friend on the Ole Miss team [...] 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."

Pope would finish his statement by writing, "Go dawgs."

Pope has appeared in three games for the Bulldogs this season. The Buford, Ga., native spent two seasons at Alabama, playing in 12 games.

The Bulldogs take on the Tennessee Volunteers in Athens this Saturday.

For more Alabama Baseball, Basketball, and Football content from Simon Besnoy, follow him on X/Twitter at @SimonBesnoy and stay tuned to Tide1009.com for daily news.