Georgia’s Kirby Smart on player celebrating after loss to Ole Miss: ‘Just stupid’

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart on Monday addressed a video of backup safety Jake Pope seemingly celebrating on the field after the Bulldogs’ 28-10 loss to Ole Miss last weekend.

“What an idiot. I mean just stupid,” Smart said. “I didn’t see it till today. But he’s embarrassed about it. He’s upset about it. … Just not real smart, but to be honest with you, I don’t have time to waste energy on that.”

The video gained traction online on Monday. Pope apologized on X, clarifying that the person he was celebrating with was a childhood friend and former teammate of his whom he was excited to see.

“I want to say sorry for the way it was taken out of perspective and has caused distractions/commotion for my teammates and coaches,” Pope said. “In no way, shape or form would I ever celebrate a loss in this program and anyone who knows me well knows that.”

Pope added he is “Georgia through thick and thin.”

Pope was a three-star prospect from Buford (Ga.) High in the Class of 2022. He transferred to Georgia this season from Alabama and has appeared in three games for the Bulldogs.

(Photo: Petre Thomas / Imagn Images)