Smart: Georgia DB 'an idiot' for celebrating with Ole Miss after loss

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart had some choice words for Bulldogs defensive back Jake Pope on Monday.

A viral video showed Pope celebrating after fans stormed the field following Ole Miss' 28-10 win over Georgia on Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

"What an idiot. I mean, just stupid," Smart said Monday about Pope's celebration, according to Zach Klein of WSB. "I didn't see it until today, but he's embarrassed about it. He's upset about it."

The coach added: "But to be honest with you, I don't really have time to waste energy on that. My focus is on Tennessee."

Pope also released a statement Monday explaining and apologizing for the incident.

"I want to say sorry for the way it was taken out of perspective and has caused distractions/commotion for my teammates and coaches," Pope wrote. "This is not representative of who I am in any way. In no way, shape, or form would I ever celebrate a loss in this program, and anyone who knows me knows that.

"My longtime family friends had come up to me unexpectedly after the game as I was trying to get off the field to safety and were extremely excited to see me after the game. I was also surprised to see them as well and that's why you saw that reaction."

Pope originally committed to Alabama out of high school but transferred to Georgia after Nick Saban retired. He's served as the Bulldogs' backup safety this season.

"I am Georgia through thick and thin and have never loved a group of guys more than the guys I go to battle with day in and day out," Pope added.