Georgia LB Kimbrough plans transfer to Division II school

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia senior linebacker Tim Kimbrough said on Aug. 11 he will transfer to a Division II school after being forced off the team by coach Kirby Smart, who called the player’s exit “a mutual decision.”

“Coach told me he was going to kick me off the team or I had to transfer,” Kimbrough told The Associated Press in a phone interview.

He said Smart’s edict came after Kimbrough left practice on Tuesday. Kimbrough did not say why he left practice, though he said he wasn’t injured.

“Based on a mutual decision between Tim and I, he will no longer be a part of our football program,” Smart said in a statement released by Georgia. “We wish him the best as he continues his education and playing career.”

Kimbrough, who was third on the team with 67 tackles last season, did not participate in practice Wednesday. Smart said afterward that Kimbrough was on “a little leave of absence.”

Classes at Georgia begin Thursday. Kimbrough missed time in spring practice for what Smart said were academic reasons. Kimbrough said his transfer is not based on academics.

Kimbrough said he wants to play this season, so he is looking to transfer to a Division II school. “I don’t really want to sit out a year,” he said. On his Twitter feed, Kimbrough offered to share game film with any interested coaches.

Kimbrough was working behind Reggie Carter and Natrez Patrick at inside linebacker during preseason drills. Roquan Smith is also competing for a starting job.

Kimbrough indicated he was unhappy with his standing on the depth chart. “In the spring I earned my starting job,” he said. Kimbrough was suspended from Georgia’s TaxSlayer Bowl win over Penn State last season. Interim coach Bryan McClendon didn’t reveal the reason for the suspension.