ATLANTA – The claims regarding a supposed culture issue within Georgia’s program are either greatly overblown or entirely fabricated. The chatter about summer arrests being a sign of disorganization is simply baseless.

How can we define Georgia’s culture? Simply put: Winning.

It’s been like this for a while now.

Georgia’s head coach, Kirby Smart, describes the current culture of the program with a different term.

“Awesome,” Smart expressed about Georgia’s culture following the Bulldogs’ decisive 34-3 victory over No. 14 Clemson on Saturday.

The team’s excellent second-half showing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium only reinforced that point.

However, the ongoing incidents of reckless driving within the team cannot be ignored. There’s nothing smart or safe about engaging in dangerous driving.

But what do these reckless driving incidents have to do with the team’s performance? Allow me to lay it out: Arrests are bad, but Georgia football? That’s good—very good.

The aggressive player I want stopping an opponent in critical moments isn’t necessarily the one I would trust to drive me home safely after a game.

The Bulldogs manage their way through off-the-field incidents and continue to display unity and strength on the field, defeating opponents decisively.

Georgia’s record stands at 47-2 over their last 49 matches.

The culture is robust, folks.

While Smart is primarily focused on winning, he also successfully emphasizes the need for responsible behavior. That’s the advantage of having a team filled with top-tier talent.

This offseason, Georgia chose to dismiss wide receiver Rara Thomas following his arrests on multiple counts of family battery and a serious charge of child cruelty.

Additionally, running back Trevor Etienne was absent from Saturday’s game due to his summer arrest for suspected DUI, which was later resolved when he pled no contest to lesser charges of reckless driving and underage alcohol possession.

Georgia’s actions towards Thomas and Etienne demonstrate the need for accountability. Young adults must grasp that their actions carry consequences. The gravest incident of 2023 involved the tragic passing of Georgia player Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy due to a high-speed accident, where LeCroy was intoxicated.

Several teammates of Etienne had also faced arrests related to driving this offseason. Nevertheless, even with Etienne sidelined, Georgia showcased superior talent against Clemson.

The overall performance on the field highlights a program flourishing, rather than one in turmoil.

Some might want to promote the idea that only model citizens make the finest players, but the reality of sports with large rosters is much more nuanced. Some standout athletes could deserve consideration for citizenship awards while others may make poor choices outside the field. Conversely, some players are genuinely good people but lack the skills to tackle a rushing linebacker.

Georgia seeks out talented players who truly desire victory and embrace the message set forth by their coach. This has not changed.

“I wish you could interact with our players,” Smart remarked. “I wish you could see their daily lives. What you realize on the inside tells you a lot more than the external portrayals.”

I’ve had conversations with Georgia’s players, and they unquestionably defend the program’s culture.

“Our culture is deeply rooted in brotherhood and connection. There’s a strong bond among us,” junior wide receiver Dillon Bell stated. “I can’t understand why anyone would question our culture. It’s really positive, and we’re all united.”

The Bulldogs take their motivation from Smart, who is a masterful motivator. He could convince anyone that the water is indeed dry.

This team remains tightly knit, and the significant offseason controversies will eventually be overshadowed by the applause they receive during the season as they continue to thrive.

“There will always be people discussing various things,” sophomore linebacker CJ Allen noted, “but that only strengthens our bond.”

I wouldn’t want to be on the road with Georgia athletes who disregard caution.

However, I certainly wouldn’t want to be the opposing team up against a formidable Georgia squad backed by a winning culture that persists through challenges.