ATHENS, Ga. — The calm and steady run that has been Georgia’s 2021 football season was rocked Thursday with the news that one of Bulldogs’ premier defensive players has been accused of rape.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department confirmed Thursday that it has launched an investigation into allegations against Adam Anderson. A senior outside linebacker from Rome, Ga., and the team leader in quarterback sacks, Anderson is accused of raping a 21-year-old female in the early-morning hours Friday. That was the day that the Bulldogs left Athens for Jacksonville, Fla., to play Florida.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart released a statement Thursday night confirming that he is aware of the allegations.
“We are aware of the report,” Smart said in a statement emailed to reporters. “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.”
Anderson has not been charged in the case. Smart did not say whether Anderson would be allowed to continue to compete for the Bulldogs.
Typically, UGA athletes accused of felony crimes are pulled from competition per athletic association policy. The No. 1-ranked Bulldogs play host to Missouri at noon Saturday.
According to a police incident report, a 21-year-old female went to an Athens residence sometime between midnight and 7 a.m. Friday. She told police that she “woke up with the suspect penetrating her” and that “it was nonconsensual.”
The victim reported the alleged crime Friday afternoon. Police would not comment further other than to say the investigation was “still ongoing.”
Anderson played for the Bulldogs in their 34-7 win over Florida the next day. He was credited with seven tackles and a half-sack. It’s not known whether he would have been aware of the allegations against him at that point.
