A significant player in Georgia’s passing game is facing legal trouble.
ESPN reports that wide receiver Rodarius “Rara” Thomas was arrested early Friday morning on several family violence charges and is currently being held at the Athens-Clarke County Jail.
Thomas, a senior from Alabama, faces a charge of cruelty to children-family violence—a second-degree felony—as well as two misdemeanor counts of battery-family violence, according to ESPN.
“We are addressing this as a legal matter and will have no further comment at this time,” said Georgia athletic department spokesperson Steven Drummond to ESPN.
This is Thomas’ second arrest on family violence charges since transferring from Mississippi State in 2023. He was previously arrested in January 2023, but those charges were dismissed in March.
Thomas started eight games for the Bulldogs last season, recording 23 receptions for 383 yards and one touchdown. He also missed three games due to a broken foot.
With Thomas anticipated to be a key target for quarterback Carson Beck following the NFL draft departures of tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Ladd McConkey, his potential absence could impact the team. Missouri transfer Dominic Lovett, Miami transfer Colbie Young, and tight end Oscar Delp are expected to receive more targets if Thomas is sidelined due to these legal issues.
Georgia’s 2024 season opener is set to be a high-profile matchup against Clemson in Atlanta on August 31.
