Kirby Smart provides update on suspended linebacker Adam Anderson

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart knew the topic would come up, so he got ahead of the question. 

On Saturday afternoon following a win over Missouri, Smart took a few moments to address the allegations against linebacker Adam Anderson in his postgame press conference. 

“With it being an ongoing legal situation and matter, I can’t commit on it,” Smart said. “Can’t talk about it. I will tell you we’re cooperating with all the law enforcement and campus organizations, and that’s all I can say about it. If you want to ask, I’m going to have to stick to that statement.”

The statement echoes Smart’s previous comments on the situation earlier this week. 

Athens-Clarke County police are investigating a rape allegation against Anderson, according to the Athens Banner-Herald. The report states that no arrest has been made, but potential charges remain unclear.

“It’s still open and still under investigation,” Lieutenant Shaun Barnett told the Athens Banner-Herald. “It’s depending on how the investigation plays out that will determine that.”

According to police records, a 21-year old female told police she went to an Athens residence from 12 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, after having drinks. She allegedly awoke with Anderson penetrating her while lying in bed. She told police it was nonconsensual, and she was able to leave.

She reported the incident at 2:39 p.m. the same day, when the department’s Criminal Investigations Division interviewed her.

The Georgia linebacker played against the Florida Gators in Jacksonville one day after the alleged rape, but he has since been suspended from the program. He finished the game with a season-high seven tackles, including one sack and three quarterback hits. 

Anderson’s lawyer has since sent an email to the Georgia athletic department, per ESPN’s Mark Schlabach.

“Steve Sadow, Adam Anderson’s attorney, sent an email to the UGA athletic department on Friday requesting that it immediately reconsider his suspension because there’s been no conclusion to the legitimacy of the alleged sexual assault,” Schlabach said. “I was texting with Sadow just a little while ago. He told me Georgia has not responded and he doesn’t know where it’s going.

“The Athens Clark County Police Department told me earlier this week that they’re just in the infancy of this investigation. UGA’s Equal Opportunity office has opened its own investigation. Anderson and his attorney met with that office on Friday. Talking with attorneys from this area who are familiar with the process, they said it could be weeks if not months. So certainly, it’s going to be awhile before Adam Anderson is back on the football field.”

Anderson also issued a statement through his lawyer.

On3’s James Fletcher contributed to this report.