Kirby Smart clarifies comments after taking shot at how much college football players are making

Kirby Smart said that college football players are practising less while injuries are increasing, and wondered whether players were as hungry to improve now that many can earn substantial money through name, image and likeness deals. His remarks prompted criticism, including the argument that coaches also benefit financially from the sport, and should not begrudge players being paid.

Smart later said he did not want to sound as if he was complaining and called it “awesome” that players can earn money in college. He said his concern was about the longer-term effect of early earning power and whether young athletes understand the value of money and work. His comments followed Georgia’s 27-8 win over Florida; he compared today’s practices with those of his 2021 and 2022 teams.