If Georgia’s drug policy for athletes is going to change, it won’t be because of Kirby Smart, who said Wednesday that the decision “is above me.”
Georgia has one of the toughest drug policies in the SEC and in the nation for athletes. A first offense of the marijuana policy means a one-game suspension for football players, and a second violation means a four-game suspension.
Smart said he understood that during the interview process with athletics director Greg McGarity and president Jere Morehead, and that the decision to maintain it belongs to them.
“Greg addreesed it. And so did President Morehead. And I completely understand that,” Smart said. “And I realize it’s not a completely level playing field. But we come in understanding that.”
While McGarity inherited the drug policy when he became Georgia’s A.D. in August of 2010, he has been vociferous advocate for retaining it. UGA president Jere Morehead, who replaced Michael Adams the summer of 2014, has also supported keeping it.
Mark Richt, at least publicly, also stood by the policy, saying “I don’t want my players to smoke marijuana.” But the policy has often cost Georgia the use of some of its best players.
» Read more about Kirby Smart's transition to Georgia on DawgNation
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