Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Rodarius 'Rara' Thomas has been suspended indefinitely from the team after being booked into jail on charges of cruelty to children and battery. The arrest occurred around 3:20 a.m. on Friday, as per Athens-Clarke County jail records.
This is not the first brush with the law for Thomas, as he was previously arrested in January 2023 on charges of false imprisonment and family violence battery. Those charges were dropped after Thomas entered a pretrial diversion program.
University of Georgia Police confirmed Thomas' latest arrest but did not provide immediate details on the incident. Georgia Athletic Association spokesperson Steven Drummond stated that the matter is pending legal action and declined further comment.
Head coach Kirby Smart addressed the issue of player conduct at Southeastern Conference media days, emphasizing the importance of educating and supporting young athletes who make mistakes. Smart's policy is to handle suspensions internally without public announcements.
The Bulldogs are set to open their season on August 31 against the Clemson Tigers in Atlanta. The team has faced a series of driving-related violations, including a tragic car crash in January 2023 that claimed the lives of offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy.
As the Georgia football program navigates these challenges, the focus remains on guiding and developing the young men both on and off the field.
