Kirby Smart blasts Georgia DB Jake Pope over viral celebration video after Ole Miss loss: 'What an idiot'

Georgia defensive lineman Jake Pope caused a stir on social media over the weekend when a video surfaced that appeared to show him celebrating on the field after the Bulldogs' 28-10 loss to Ole Miss. Those shown in the video with Pope were wearing former Buford (Georgia) High School teammate and childhood friend Reece McIntyre, who now plays the offensive line at Ole Miss.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart had some good words for Pope when asked about the incident during his weekly press conference Monday before a key showdown against Tennessee.

“What an idiot,” Smart said. “I mean, what a – just stupid. I haven't seen it until today. It’s him.” [Pope] I'm embarrassed. He is upset about this. It's obviously a childhood friend that he grew up with and played with there in Buford. I hadn't seen him in ages. But, just not really smart. But to be honest, I'm not going to waste energy on this. My focus is on Tennessee. I’m not worried about that.”

Pope issued his own statement apologizing for the video and explaining the moment between him and McIntyre's family:

Pope is in his first season at Georgia after transferring from Alabama. He has appeared in three games without playing this season and has yet to record any statistics.

Pope signed with Alabama as a four-star prospect in 2022. He redshirted in his first season with the Crimson Tide and played in 12 games in 2023, mostly on special teams.