Georgia dismisses Rara Thomas after receiver's second domestic violence arrest in two years

Two days after Rara Thomas posted bond following his second domestic violence arrest since joining the program, Georgia football coach Kirby Smart Thursday addressed the wide receiver's standing publicly as the Bulldogs began preseason practices.

Smart met with Thomas on Tuesday after his release from jail.

“He can no longer be part of the football team," Smart said. "He understands that. We wish him the best moving forward.”

Smart had not commented since Thomas’ early Friday morning arrest for a charge of felony cruelty to children and two misdemeanor charges of family violence/battery.

Thomas was suspended indefinitely since the day of the arrest.

Thomas had 23 catches for 383 yards and a touchdown in his first Georgia season last year, but he was expected to be a key contributor this season after battling a foot injury in 2023.

The Mississippi State transfer’s arrest was the latest incident in another offseason full of off-field trouble for the program.

The week before Thomas’ arrest, Smart addressed another round of high-speed driving incidents for players. Linebacker Smael Mondon and offensive lineman Bo Hughley were arrested in separate reckless driving incidents. Mondon was also cited for racing with cornerback Demello Jones for racing by Athens police.

Thomas was also cited three times this offseason for speeding and another time for running a red light.

Georgia players have been arrested or cited at least 29 times for reckless driving, racing or speeding since the Jan. 15 fatal crash of offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy. Police said LeCroy and defensive tackle Jalen Carter, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, were racing at more than 100 miles per hour.

Smart last month dismissed safety Daniel David-Sisavanh, who was charged with reckless driving after leading Atlanta police on a pursuit after making multiple lane changes at high speed.