Bulldogs suspend starting linebacker
ATLANTA — University of Georgia linebacker Adam Anderson’s senior football season is on hold while he is being investigated by Athens police on a rape allegation.
No charges have been filed, but Anderson has been suspended and will not play in the top-ranked Bulldogs’ game against Missouri on Saturday, according to his attorney, Steve Sadow.
Sadow told The Associated Press that Anderson was suspended by Georgia “pending the investigation.” Athens-Clarke County Police Lt. Shaun Barnett told AP “the investigation is still ongoing.”
According to an Athens-Clarke County Police incident report obtained by AP, a 21-year-old woman reported the alleged rape this past Friday. According to the incident report, she told police she went to an Athens residence that day after having some drinks and woke up on a bed while Anderson was having intercourse with her. The woman told officers the sex was not consensual and that she was able to leave the residence.
Anderson had seven tackles in Georgia’s 34-7 win over Florida in Jacksonville this past Saturday.
“Adam denies in the strongest terms possible the unfounded and unsupported allegations of sexual misconduct,” Sadow said in a statement released to AP.
Added Sadow: “In the interest of justice and fairness, Adam hopes and prays the UGA community and the public keep an open mind and not prejudge him based on inconsistent, unsubstantiated and baseless accusations.”
Georgia coach Kirby Smart released a statement Thursday: “We are aware of the report and we don’t comment on law enforcement matters, but I’ve been clear about the high standards we have for our student-athletes on and off the field. I will be working closely with our administration to ensure we cooperate fully with all law enforcement and campus protocols.”
Georgia officials would not confirm Anderson has been suspended indefinitely.
Anderson leads the Bulldogs with five sacks and is fifth on the team with 32 tackles. He is a key starter for a defense that leads the nation with its average of only 6.6 points allowed per game, and his absence could have an impact on the Bulldogs’ hopes of winning their first national championship since 1980.
Georgia holds the top spot in this week’s first College Football Playoff ranking. The Bulldogs are 8-0 overall and 6-0 in the Southeastern Conference.
They clinched the SEC East Division title last weekend, securing their fourth appearance in the league’s championship game in five seasons. The SEC title game is Dec. 4 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with the SEC West champion still to be decided.