Kirby Smart Faces Backlash After Shoving Mississippi State QB Michael Van Buren Jr.

Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after a controversial incident during Saturday's game against Mississippi State. As freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. ran out of bounds on the Georgia sideline, Smart appeared to shove the young QB in a moment that quickly went viral.

The video, which circulated widely on social media by Saturday night, shows Smart making contact with Van Buren after the freshman’s momentum carried him out of bounds. Fans immediately reacted, with many calling for Smart to face disciplinary action, including a suspension.

After the game, Smart was asked about the incident but did not provide a detailed response. Meanwhile, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has not yet addressed the situation, and no formal discipline has been announced. Sankey, however, has a history of issuing public reprimands for coaches involved in first-time physical altercations with opposing players.

In a similar situation earlier this year, Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats was publicly reprimanded by the SEC after making physical contact with Missouri player Aidan Shaw during a game. Despite these precedents, it remains unclear whether Smart will face any consequences for his actions.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the SEC’s next move and whether Smart will face further scrutiny or penalties for his controversial shove.