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On Sunday afternoon, Georgia issued a statement that Kirby Smart had decided to release 2017 signee D’Antne Demery from his National Letter of Intent with the program, following his arrest on simple battery charges in Athens Saturday night.
The decision to part ways with the 4-star offensive lineman was swift and decisive, leading many to praise Smart for making a strong statement against violence towards women.
Among those praising Georgia was Brenda Tracy, a member of the NCAA’s Committee to Combat Sexual Violence who spoke to the Bulldogs on Friday about this very subject. After the announcement that Georgia had rescinded Demery’s scholarship, she was vocal in congratulating Smart.
Just heard @KirbySmartUGA released Demery. Good job coach! Chalk this up as a win & a step towards changing the culture ?
— Brenda Tracy (@brendatracy24) April 23, 2017
THIS is how we chg culture. Every coach must #SetTheExpectation that sexual assault & physical violence are NEVER ok https://t.co/Lj7dHN3jRm
— Brenda Tracy (@brendatracy24) April 23, 2017
“This is great news. I appreciate Coach Kirby’s swift action on this issue,” Tracy told UGASports.com after hearing of the decision. “Releasing Demery from his scholarship is sending the message that violence will not be tolerated at UGA. I applaud Coach Kirby and I am grateful for his leadership.”
Tracy wasn’t the only person showing support for Smart and the Georgia program, however. Many people on Twitter praised the Bulldogs’ head coach for his timely decision.
Look at Kirby Smart actually having a pair! ?????? https://t.co/cwbDK3holz
— Wonderful Fella (@SirGregoryDa1st) April 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/GabeDeArmond/status/856215259467657217
Thoughts on Demery decision — I don't envy the people who have to make these types of calls. Not easy to alter another person's course.
— Jake Rowe (@JakeMRowe) April 23, 2017
With that said, I agree with it 100 percent. No way #UGA could let Demery enroll at the university.
— Jake Rowe (@JakeMRowe) April 23, 2017
UGA had no choice but to release Demery. CKS did the right thing. UGA will get that scholarship back for the '18 class #GoDawgs #TheSmartWay
— UGA BACK-TO-BACK NATIONAL CHAMPS Supporters (@Support_UGA) April 23, 2017
Good on Georgia to act quickly on this. No place for Demery's behavior https://t.co/jwmTQoayzA
— Edward Aschoff (@AschoffESPN) April 23, 2017
Georgia concluded its spring practice period with the annual G-Day Game, in which the Red Team defeated the Black Team 25-22.
