Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young was arrested on Tuesday on charges of battery and assault on an unborn child. According to records from the Athens-Clarke County jail, Young was booked at 4:18 a.m. on the misdemeanor charges. The arrest came after an altercation with a 20-year-old woman who identified herself as Young’s ex-girlfriend. She went to Young’s apartment to discuss their relationship but things escalated when she discovered he was on the phone with another woman.
The woman claimed that Young physically pulled her out of his room, grabbed her from behind, picked her up, and began squeezing her torso and abdomen forcefully. She expressed to the police that she felt like Young was trying to harm her. However, Young denied causing the bruising and redness found on the woman by the arresting officer.
Young’s attorney, Kim Stephens, released a statement asserting that Young did not harm the woman and that he asked her to leave his apartment. Stephens expressed confidence that Young would be vindicated once their investigation was completed.
A senior from Binghamton, New York, Young transferred to Georgia after playing two seasons at Miami. He has been a valuable player for Georgia, making 11 receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns in five games this season. Despite the arrest, Georgia coach Kirby Smart refrained from providing immediate comments on the situation and the player’s status for the upcoming game against Mississippi State remains uncertain.
Young was released on $3,800 bond following his arrest. Smart has not had any direct communication with Young as of now. The coach has previously faced challenges with player conduct, having dismissed wide receiver Rara Thomas from the team earlier in the season due to charges of cruelty to children and battery. This was Thomas’ second arrest in two years, highlighting ongoing issues within the team.
In another incident, cornerback Daniel Harris was arrested for reckless driving after allegedly driving at 106 mph. This arrest adds to a list of driving-related violations involving Georgia players, indicating a pattern of risky behavior among team members. Smart has acknowledged the difficulty in promoting safe driving practices among his players, especially following a tragic car crash in January 2023 that claimed the lives of offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy shortly after the team’s national championship victory.
The team’s struggles with off-field incidents raise concerns about player behavior and the need for stricter disciplinary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. Smart’s handling of these situations will be closely monitored as the team navigates through the current challenges and strives to maintain a positive reputation both on and off the field.
