Jake Pope issues apology for celebrating with Ole Miss fans after loss

After Georgia‘s 28-10 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday, a fan captured a video of Bulldogs defensive back Jake Pope seemingly celebrating with Rebels fans, who had stormed the field. The fans were wearing merchandise of Ole Miss offensive lineman Reece McIntyre, who was Pope’s teammate in high school.

In the video, Pope jumps up and down with the fans and smiles while other members of the Ole Miss faithful rush around him. On Monday, Pope addressed his actions that could be seen in the video.

“I wanted to address the videos that have been put out after the Ole Miss game,” Pope wrote. “First
and for most I want to say sorry for the way it was taken out of perspective and has caused distractions/commotion for my teammates and coaches. This is not representative of who I am in any way. In no way, shape or form would I ever celebrate a loss in this program and anyone who knows me well knows that.

“My long time family friends had came up to me unexpectedly after the game as I was trying to get off the field to safety and were extremely excited to see me after the game. I was also surprised to see them as well and that’s why you saw the reaction that I gave via the video.”

Georgia player celebrating with Ole Miss fans??? 🤨https://t.co/v4yvJLacwx pic.twitter.com/rLIVF4V57D

— On3 (@On3sports) November 11, 2024

Pope and McIntyre played together at Buford High School, where they won state championships as sophomores, juniors and seniors, as well as three regional titles.

Jake Pope transferred to Georgia this offseason after spending two seasons at Alabama. Pope has only played in three games for the Bulldogs this season and hasn’t recorded a statistic. The former four-star prospect also explained why the fans were wearing McIntyre’s merchandise.

“They are also very close with my former teammate and long time friend on the Ole Miss team which is why they have those jerseys on. (they have came to my games as well). I am Georgia through thick and thin and have never loved a group of guys more than the guys I go to battle with day in and day out.

“Lastly, and once again I’m sorry to my teammates, coaches, and fans all around about the way that video looked and I choose to move forward and get ready for a great rest of the season with my brothers. Go dawgs.”

This story will be updated.