Paul Finebaum breaks down how Kirby Smart handled questions about off-field incidents

While the Georgia Bulldogs have firmly established themselves as the new kings of the college football world the past two seasons, they’ve certainly dealt with an extensive number of off-the-field incidents. Paul Finebaum recently discussed with ESPN’s Matt Barrie how the Bulldogs’ head football coach has handled the off-field issues for his team the past few years.

“I thought he handled it fairly well. He’s had a lot of practice at it because he did it a week or two ago in Georgia. And I mean, he has a great tone,” Finebaum began. I mean, Kirby Smart isn’t really a flashy guy up there, but he’s got it down. And I think he’s addressed it, but I think he was also relieved when he got on the plane to go back. That will probably be the last time he talks about it. Because there’s not much more you can say. And the second part of the story really plays into the first part, Matt. I’ll get out of your way as you can tell that story.”

Paul Finebaum on the sexual assault allegations made by the AJC that were later retracted

Then Finebaum dove into the sexual assault allegations against the Georgia football program, a story that was later retracted by the Atlanta Journal Constitution and they fired the writer who wrote the story.

“Yeah, and regardless of the minutiae, the perception of this moving forward is that Kirby Smart was right. He was villified and it bothered me early on, Matt, when people were attacking the messenger. But now, it’s so clear that this publication was irresponsible. And this is a….not for this podcast, but media [guides] that used to be in the business, now that teach journalism,” Finebaum continued.

“I mean, they’ll be having conversations about this for a long time. This was a shattering blow to the media. And for those that try to do investigative reporting. Which….very difficult to do. And I was once in that platform. Am no longer. The dirt road fan won. That guy who posts on DawgNation, HairyDawg, all that. They beat the media down with a stick on this one. And it will change the….it will be a paradigm shift. Because the next time a publication comes out like this. They’ll be like, ‘Do you think they got it right?’

The Georgia football team begins their quest for a third straight national title with the UT Martin Skyhawks on Sept. 2. The Bulldogs will have seven home games during the 2023-2024 campaign. It’ll be fascinating to see if can go back-to-back-to-back.

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