Memphis Coach Criticizes Georgia Over Driving-Related Arrests
Ryan Silverfield says the Bulldogs' string of driving incidents is an example of behavior he labels 'not our standard' during postgame player meetings.
Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield on Monday criticized the University of Georgia football program over a series of driving-related incidents involving Bulldogs players, saying he uses those cases as examples of behavior his staff will not tolerate.
Silverfield said he addresses a segment he calls “not our standard” in talks with Memphis players and cited recent Georgia arrests as recurring examples of conduct the Tigers try to avoid. He made the remarks during an appearance on the Memphis Tiger Network that was reported by On3 Sports.
“We always start with a negative,” Silverfield said. “And the ‘not our standard’ is, ‘Georgia wide receiver arrested for driving 900 miles per hour over the speed limit.’ That’s a weekly occurrence. So, that’s one of those things we’ll show. You know, this guy at the USFL got a DUI, this guy at this college was shooting a paintball gun.”
The Georgia program has faced several high-profile traffic-related incidents in recent years. In March, Bulldogs wide receiver Nitro Tuggle was pulled over for driving 107 mph, according to Georgia authorities. Offensive lineman Marques Easley was also reportedly involved in a vehicle crash. In January 2023, offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in a crash that occurred while LeCroy and defensive tackle Jalen Carter were racing.
Former Georgia running back Trevor Etienne missed a season opener in 2024 amid a driving-related issue, and cornerback Daniel Harris was held out of a game following a separate incident. The series of events has drawn scrutiny from fans and media and prompted internal responses from the program.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has addressed the incidents publicly, saying individual cases require review and that he treats players “like your children.” In remarks reported in March by the Athens Banner-Herald, Smart said the program evaluates each situation “on a case-by-case basis” and recognizes that 18- to 20-year-olds make mistakes and face consequences accordingly.
Silverfield’s comments come amid heightened attention to player conduct across college football, where programs have faced questions about discipline, supervision and off-field behavior. Memphis officials did not provide additional comment beyond the coach’s on-air remarks.
Georgia remains one of the sport’s most prominent programs on the field, but the accumulation of driving incidents has prompted public and internal scrutiny. The Bulldogs have issued varying disciplinary responses depending on the circumstances, and coaches have emphasized oversight and consequences while also discussing the developmental aspects of managing young players.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.