Georgia wide receiver Rara Thomas faces charges following arrest

Bulldogs wide receiver arrested for multiple felonies, including cruelty to children and family violence battery.

Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Rara Thomas is facing multiple felony charges following his arrest early on Friday morning in Athens. 

According to records from the Athens-Clarke County Sheriff's Office, Thomas has been charged with three counts of second-degree cruelty to children and three counts of family violence battery. Officials have not disclosed the circumstances leading to his arrest. Currently, Thomas remains in custody without bail.

This marks Thomas's second arrest during his time with the Georgia Bulldogs. In January 2023, he was charged with false imprisonment and a misdemeanour count of family violence battery; these charges were later dropped. The Georgia Bulldogs football programme has faced ongoing issues with law enforcement, with players involved in 24 driving-related violations, including a fatal crash in January 2023.

At SEC Media Days, coach Kirby Smart addressed the off-field incidents, stating, "The incidents that have been happening off the field are not something we condone. It’s very unfortunate, ‘disappointing’ I guess is the best word."

Other recent incidents include linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. being arrested for reckless driving and defensive back Demello Jones cited for street racing. Additionally, running back Trevor Etienne was arrested for drink-driving and other offences in March, although the DUI charges were later dismissed when he pleaded no contest to reckless driving and underage possession of alcohol.