Kirby Smart addresses pushing MSU QB, details calls to Jeff Lebby, Michael Van Buren Jr.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said he spoke to Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. following the incident where he shoved him on the sideline.

According to The Athletic’s Seth Emerson, Smart immediately apologized and didn’t even realize he shoved the QB. Smart also spoke to the Mississippi State brass following the win.

“Kirby Smart said he spoke yesterday to Mississippi State QB Michael Van Buren Jr., and ‘told him I had no intentions or ill will at all,'” Emerson wrote on Twitter. “Smart said he didn’t realize he had shoved Van Buren until he saw the tape on Sat. night, and immediately called coach Jeff Lebby.“

Van Buren was barely aware of the incident when he was asked about it, following the 41-31 loss to Georgia.

“I’m not sure what that was,” Van Buren said. “I was just trying to play my game. I didn’t really see it.”

On the play, it appeared that Smart was running over to argue with an official. The initial contact also did appear to be incidental, with Van Buren looking to return to the field while Smart ran up the sideline.

However, the broadcast did appear to catch Smart shoving him once the two were next to one another. There was no flag on the play.

The incident didn’t escalate from there, with Van Buren not retaliating in any noticeable way, showing his maturity despite being just a true freshman.

Georgia would go on to win the game 41-31. Meanwhile, Van Buren went 20-of-37 passing for 306 yards and three touchdowns in a strong effort against one of the best teams in the entire country.

Following the game, Smart shared what happened during the incident with Van Buren from his perspective.

“I think I was going after [defensive coordinator Glenn] Schumann,” Smart said. “I was trying to get Schumann’s attention. We were trying to change personnel. I think it’s the play they came over to our sideline and trying to get Schumman’s attention. But, no, I don’t really remember it.”