It appears the decision of what if anything to do with Tray Matthews has been taken out of Mark Richt‘s hands.
In a tweet posted to his Twitter account, the starting safety revealed that he will be taking his leave of the Bulldogs football program. Not only that, but the defensive abck revealed a pair of likely transfer destinations -- including one in the SEC.
Here’s the very heartfelt and emotional tweet from Matthews’ Twitter account:
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I'm sorry UGA family.I swear to God I love yal.I'm crying right now but I won't forget. Love the dawgs.Auburn or Louisville will be my home
— TriggaTray (@Trigga_Tray28) June 3, 2014
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Earlier this offseason, Matthews was one of four Bulldogs arrested on multiple counts of theft by deception. Each player had been accused of essentially double-dipping: taking their UGA stipend checks, cashing them via a mobile app, then cashing the actual check elsewhere.
All four players — wide receiver Uriah LeMay, defensive lineman John Taylor (no relation) and defensive end James DeLoach being the other three -- were or will be potentially facing suspensions to start the season.
Matthews’ departure will serve as a blow to UGA’s defense. Despite being limited by a hamstring issue for the early part of the season, Matthews started six games at safety as a true freshman in 2013.
If Matthews were to transfer to Louisville, he’d be the second UGA defensive back to transfer to the Cardinals this offseason. Earlier this year, Josh Harvey-Clemons’ grandfather revealed that his grandson would be transferring to the UofL.
Todd Grantham, the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator in 2013, moved on to the same post with the Cardinals following the 2013 season.
(Tip O’ the Cap: Gentry Estes)
UPDATED 6:14 p.m. ET: It appears that Tray Matthews’ departure was far from voluntary.
In a press release, Georgia announced that the defensive back has been dismissed from the football program. No reason was given, although head coach Mark Richt’s 14-word, very terse statement pretty much said it all.
“We are trying to make room for guys who want to do things right,” the longtime coach said.