UGA Releases Signee D’Antne Demery After Athens Arrest

ATHENS, GA -- The University of Georgia has cut ties with incoming freshman and football signee D’Antne Demery, head coach Kirby Smart announced Sunday. The move means Demery is released from his National Letter of Intent and free to go elsewhere.

The news comes one day after Demery’s arrest on charges of battery and criminal trespass during an incident in downtown Athens, according to news reports. The 4-star recruit from Brunswick allegedly grabbed a woman by her neck and shoved her against a wall, the Athens-Clarke County police department told local media in a synopsis of the incident. Friends had to step in to separate the two, police said.

The victim is reportedly the mother of Demery's 1-year-old child, who told police that he “has been physically violent with her in the past.”

The statement released by Smart is as follows:

“University of Georgia football signee D’Antne Demery has been released from his National Letter of Intent according to an announcement by UGA head coach Kirby Smart. The release follows Demery’s arrest Saturday night on charges of simple battery, criminal trespass-damaged property in downtown Athens.
“The Brunswick, Ga., native signed with UGA in February and was scheduled to report to the University in June to begin classes.”

Demery, heralded as one of the best linemen in the Southeast, was in town for Saturday's G-Day game but has not yet enrolled at UGA.

Brenda Tracy, a member of the NCAA’s Committee to Combat Sexual Violence, hailed the news of Demery's release, telling UGASports.com, “This is great news. I appreciate Coach Kirby’s swift action on this issue. Releasing Demery from his scholarship is sending the message that violence will not be tolerated at UGA. I applaud Coach Kirby and I am grateful for his leadership.”

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