ATHENS, Ga. — Senior receiver Rara Thomas has been dismissed from the Georgia football team in the aftermath of his second arrest in two years for a domestic violence incident.
Thomas transferred to Georgia from Mississippi State after the 2022 season. Less than a month after his arrival, an incident with his girlfriend at a Georgia dorm led to an arrest on charges of felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor family violence. The charges eventually were dropped as part of a plea deal.
Then, on July 26, Thomas was arrested on a felony charge of second-degree cruelty to children and misdemeanor battery. A copy of the police report has not been released, with Athens-Clarke County Police citing open records laws covering the specific charges.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart indefinitely suspended Thomas on the day of the arrest. Thomas remained in jail until July 30, when he posted bond of $3,500.
Kim Stephens, the lawyer representing Thomas, released a statement: “I am pleased that bond could be set and Mr. Thomas released while we fully investigate the case. We expect that this matter can be resolved swiftly and fairly once all facts are known.”
Thomas caught 23 passes for 383 yards with one touchdown last season. He missed the final three games because of a foot injury.
This year, Thomas was expected to compete for a larger role, but Georgia also has more depth at receiver with the addition of three transfers, including Colbie Young from Miami, who like Thomas plays mostly on the outside.
Thomas is the second Georgia player to be thrown off the team this summer. Senior safety David Daniel-Sisavanh was dismissed for what was termed a violation of team rules.
(Photo: Dale Zanine / USA Today)
