Who is Rodarius Thomas? Georgia WR arrested for felony false imprisonment and domestic violence charges
ATHENS, GEORGIA: Georgia Wide Receiver Rodarius Thomas "Rara" was arrested on Monday, January 23, and charged with felony false imprisonment and domestic family violence (first offense), according to a representative of the Athens-Clarke County Jail.
Thomas, a junior from Eufaula, Alabama, who recently transferred to Georgia from Mississippi State, was jailed by University of Georgia police at 4:04 am ET. Thomas was freed later that afternoon after posting a $1,850 bond, although the specifics of the event remain unknown.
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Who is Rodarius 'Rara' Thomas?
Thomas was one of the most visible players to transfer to Georgia at the end of the regular season. Last season, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound native of Eufaula, Alabama, led Mississippi State receivers with 626 yards and seven touchdowns on 44 receptions. That followed a strong true freshman season in which he caught 18 receptions for 252 yards and five scores.
Two important players who signed with Georgia were Thomas and former Missouri wide receiver Dominic Lovett, who also led his team in receptions the previous season. During their quest for the 2022 national championship, the Bulldogs only had one receiver (Ladd McConkey) among their top four pass catchers. The two incoming transfers caused a change in coach Kirby Smart's philosophy, who boosted in the fact that he didn't require even one incoming transfer prior to his team's run to a second consecutive national championship, as per reported by CBS Sports.
What was Thomas accused of?
Thomas is charged with felony false imprisonment, according to an arrest warrant acquired by ESPN on Monday, January 23, since he reportedly confined and held the person "without legal authority by standing in front of the dorm room door, blocking the exit, and telling her she cannot leave." Because he reportedly "did intentionally cause visible bodily harm [by] causing bruising to the right biceps and bruising and abrasion to her shins," Thomas is now charged with misdemeanor battery.
Thomas faces an immediate suspension in accordance with University of Georgia Athletic Association regulations. "We are aware of a reported incident involving conduct by one of our student-athletes," the Georgia athletics department said in a statement. "While we are limited in what we can say about the incident, the report is disappointing and not reflective of the high standards we have for our student-athletes on and off the field. In addition to following internal Athletic Association policies, we will be working closely with our administration to ensure we cooperate fully with all law enforcement and campus protocols," the statement added.