ATHENS, Ga. — Editor's note: The district attorney's office for Georgia's Western Judicial Circuit confirmed the felony charge regarding RaRa Thomas' case is being dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Officials also added that upon completion of a pre-trial diversion program, the misdemeanor charge will also be dismissed. Read the update here.
Original story:
A highly-regarded University of Georgia transfer wide receiver was arrested overnight in Athens for domestic violence.
RaRa Thomas, whose real name is Rodarius, transferred to UGA this semester from Mississippi State.
He was arrested Monday and booked into the Athens Clarke County jail on a felony charge of false imprisonment and a misdemeanor charge of family violence.
He spent more than eight hours in jail before being released on $1,850 bond shortly after noon.
At Mississippi State, Thomas caught 44 passes for 626 yards and had seven touchdowns.
Several star players for the back-to-back national champions were either graduating, opting out for the NFL or entering the transfer portal. The addition of Thomas was likely going to fill a hole at the wide receiver position.
The junior football player is originally from Eufaula, Ala.
Based on the university's student-athlete conduct policy, the felony charge will likely mean an automatic suspension for Thomas.
In a statement, the UGA Athletic Association said:
“We are aware of a reported incident involving conduct by one of our student-athletes. While we are limited in what we can say about the incident, the report is disappointing and not reflective of the high standards we have for our student-athletes on and off the field. In addition to following internal Athletic Association policies, we will be working closely with our administration to ensure we cooperate fully with all law enforcement and campus protocols.”