Kirby Smart Makes 5-figure Bombshell Revelation on Major Dilemma, After Calling Out NIL-Minded College Athletes

Kirby Smart isn’t spilling all the details, but the message is loud and clear. After LB Smael Mondon and OL Bo Hughley were arrested on traffic-related charges, Georgia’s HC made one thing known — there are consequences. Instead of just bench time, Smart revealed a new twist: players who slip up off the field could feel it in their wallets. How? Fines are handed down straight from the program’s NIL collective. It’s discipline with a modern edge. And Smart’s not afraid to use it.

Speaking to Dawgs247, the Georgia HC revealed a powerful NIL tactic being used to keep players in check. “Our Classic City Collective for over a year has been substantially fining guys for those things,” said Smart. “That’s not something that’s new. That’s something that has been going on that’s outside of my jurisdiction and they decided to do and implement and have done to a considerable amount. We’re searching and trying to find the best ways.” Now, Kirby Smart just dropped a five-figure bombshell — and it’s shaking up the college football world.

Kirby Smart tells @YahooSports that collectives are striking deals with high school recruits to keep and gain their commitments – paying them as much as $20,000 a month in this unregulated market. If they de-commit, they are being asked to return the compensation, he says. https://t.co/o4GZv0MG7d

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 28, 2025

Kirby Smart just lit a fire under the NIL world. On May 29, in a conversation with Yahoo! Sports, the Georgia head coach exposed a recruiting tactic that’s raising eyebrows across the country. According to Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger, Smart revealed that some collectives are locking in high school recruits with jaw-dropping deals — up to $20,000 a month. The twist? If a player backs out, they’re expected to pay it all back. It’s big money. No rules. High stakes. And Smart isn’t afraid to call it what it is — a dangerous game in an unregulated market.

(This is a developing story…..)

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