Georgia's football program has been in the spotlight for player arrests since Kirby Smart took the helm in 2016. Despite their impressive back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 and three title appearances this decade, the Bulldogs can’t seem to shake off the reputation of being college football’s legal trouble poster child.
This week, however, Georgia found itself in the crosshairs for an arrest entirely unrelated to Athens or anyone in red and black. Florida State kicker Conor McAneney was arrested on Wednesday, facing two third-degree felony charges.
The news broke on social media, highlighting charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence. The 20-year-old, originally from Ireland, also faces a trespassing misdemeanor, with his bond set at $2,750.
Despite the clear lack of connection to Georgia, fans took to the comment sections, turning it into a roast session of the Bulldogs. One fan quipped about using the "Georgia ritual method" for success, while another joked about Georgia being their next stop. The jabs continued, with comments hinting at Florida State's playoff hopes and even creating new nicknames for kickers.
A Bulldogs supporter shot back, pointing out the irony of bringing up Georgia as a coping mechanism after years of losses. Meanwhile, another commenter humorously noted the recurring theme of Florida State kicker issues.
McAneney’s arrest, unrelated to Georgia, still managed to drag the Bulldogs into the fray. According to Fort Lauderdale police, McAneney was removed from multiple bars for causing disturbances, culminating in an incident around 2:30 a.m. at Rock Bar on Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard. The charges are serious, with third-degree felonies in Florida carrying up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000 per charge.
For Florida State, the arrest is more than just fodder for internet jokes. McAneney, who transferred from Division II Quincy University after hitting seven of 10 field goals in 2025, was brought in to bolster FSU's kicking game following the departures of Jake Weinberg and Brunno Reus. With spring practice approaching, the Seminoles now face a depleted competition for the starting kicker position, complicating Coach Mike Norvell’s offseason plans.
While the Georgia comparisons will likely fade, McAneney’s legal troubles have thrown an unexpected wrench into Florida State's preparations, turning what should have been a routine offseason into a scramble for damage control.