Georgia Announces Release of WR Rara Thomas After Arrest

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Georgia Announces Release of WR Rara Thomas After Arrest

Georgia practice opened Thursday without wide receiver Thomas Rarawho was kicked off the team after being arrested for child abuse and assault.

Coach Kirby Smart said before practice Thursday he met with Thomas on Tuesday and informed the youngster of the decision.

Thomas was arrested early Friday morning. on felony charges of child abuse and misdemeanor charges of assault. Georgia announced later Friday that Thomas had been suspended indefinitely. Thursday’s announcement made Thomas’ suspension from the team permanent.

Thomas was released on $3,500 bail on Tuesday.

“I had the opportunity to sit down and meet with him in person on Tuesday, which I thought was really important to let him know that he can no longer be a part of the football team,” Smart said. “He understands that, and we wish him the best going forward.”

Thomas had 23 catches for 383 yards and one touchdown last season and ranks as one of the team’s top returning targets for quarterback. Carson Beck.

This is Thomas’ second arrest in two years. Thomas, a transferee from State of Mississippiwas arrested by University of Georgia police on January 23, 2023, on felony charges of false imprisonment and misdemeanor charges of domestic violence assault. The charges were dismissed when Thomas entered a pretrial diversion program.

The latest charges are also considered domestic violence charges.

Georgia was voted in Southeast Conference July 19 was considered by the media as the most likely candidate for the championship.

Georgia had six players selected to the preseason all-SEC team, including cornerback Beck. Trevor Etienneattacking midfielder Tate Ratledgedefensive midfielder Nazir Stackhousefull back Mykel Williams and defender Malaki Starks.

The pre-season first-team selections did not include a receiver. The loss of Thomas takes away an experienced target man after losing a tight-knit attacker. Brock Bowers and wide receiver Mr. McConkey And Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint. Elder Dominic Lovett And Arian Smith returns as a veteran winger.

CFB Preview: Ohio State, University of Georgia or the Field?

“We have depth at the top,” Smart said. “I think we have to find more guys that can contribute in that room.

“I’m excited about this group because we have a good group of defenders around them, a good midfielder to pass the ball to them and a good group of wingers.”

Smart has also been forced to address persistent driving violations by his players. He said players have been suspended and fined through the collective offering of names, images and payments to school athletes.

Georgia players have been charged with 24 driving-related violations (driving while intoxicated, reckless driving or speeding), including an accident that killed a player and a recruiter in January 2023, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported. Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy were killed in a car accident on January 15, 2023, just days after the Bulldogs won the national championship.

The Bulldogs opened their season with Clemson on August 31 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

According to The Associated Press.

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