Colbie Young, a wide receiver for the Georgia football team, was arrested on Tuesday on misdemeanor charges of battery and assault of an unborn child. Young, who previously played for the Miami Hurricanes, transferred to Georgia in December 2023. His bond was set at $2,500, and he was booked into the Athens-Clarke County detention center.
This incident marks the latest in a series of legal issues involving Georgia football players. According to Athens-Clarke County Jail records, Young is the 11th player to face legal trouble in the past 22 months. The Georgia athletic department declined to comment further on the arrest, stating that it is a pending legal matter.
The incident reportedly involved Young’s ex-girlfriend, who visited his apartment to discuss their relationship. She claimed that Young physically pulled her out of the room, used derogatory language, and locked her out. The woman stated that Young later grabbed her from behind, causing bruising and redness on her chest and abdomen.
In response to the allegations, Young’s attorney, Kim Stephens, stated that his client did not engage in any criminal behavior and expects to be fully exonerated after an investigation. Young has denied the accusations of physical harm, insisting that he only escorted the woman to the door when the situation escalated.
Despite the legal issues, Young has recorded 149 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns this season. His performance on the field has been notable, but the off-field incidents have raised concerns about player conduct within the Georgia football program.
This arrest comes after wide receiver Rodarius “Rara” Thomas, another transfer player, faced legal troubles in the past. Thomas was arrested on misdemeanor battery charges in January 2023 and later dismissed from the team following multiple family violence charges. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart expressed disappointment in Thomas’s actions and emphasized the importance of upholding the program’s standards.
The incidents involving Young and Thomas highlight the challenges that college football programs face in maintaining discipline and accountability among players. While the focus is often on athletic performance, off-field behavior can have a significant impact on a team’s reputation and success.
Moving forward, Georgia football will need to address these issues and ensure that players adhere to the highest standards of conduct. The team’s reputation and integrity are at stake, and it will be crucial for coaches and administrators to emphasize the importance of character and responsibility both on and off the field.
