ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Georgia backup safety Jake Pope issued an apology Monday. video of him appearing for the celebration I follow the bulldogs 28-10 defeat The game, which took the field in Mississippi with Rebels fans, drew harsh criticism from Georgia coach Kirby Smart.

The Pope said in a speech: Statement published on X He was surprised to see longtime family friends from his hometown of Buford, Georgia, on the field. He said his friends, including friends from Buford who played for Ole Miss offensive lineman Reece McIntyre, were “extremely excited when they saw me after the game. I was surprised to see them, too. That’s why you saw my reaction in the video.”

In the video, a smiling Pope bounces around with his friends.

When asked about the video on Monday, Smart said: “How stupid. So it’s just stupid. I haven’t seen it yet, but he’s ashamed of it. He’s upset about this. “Obviously it was a childhood friend of his that he grew up with in Buford and played with, and he knew him, hadn’t seen him in a long time, but he wasn’t very smart.”

Georgia nine points dropped Following the loss, he rose to No. 11 in the Associated Press Top 25. The Bulldogs return home to play #6 Tennessee on Saturday night.

Pope apologized immediately after Smart’s press conference.

“First, I want to apologize for this incident being thrown out of perspective and causing distraction/confusion for my teammates and coaches,” Pope said. “This in no way represents who I am. And I will not be celebrating a loss in any way, shape, or form on this show. And everyone who knows me well knows that.”

Pope transferred to Georgia from Alabama and played in three games this season.

“I was trying to get off the field and get to safety,” Pope said when he was surprised by his friends as Ole Miss fans flocked to the field before the end of the game and again after the game.

“I am Georgia through and through, and I have never loved a group of men more than the men I fight with every day,” Pope said. “Finally and once again, I apologize to my teammates, coaches and fans for the appearance of the video.”

Smart said he won’t focus on Pope’s mistake.

“Honestly, I don’t have time to put energy into this,” Smart said. “Do you know what I said? My focus is on Tennessee. I’m not worried about that.”

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