Georgia bench-warmer Parker Jones collides with ref in loss to Notre Dame and gains internet infamy
A little-known University of Georgia football player accidentally stepped into the limelight Thursday, costing his team 15 valuable yards and earning a permanent spot in social media infamy.
A little-known University of Georgia football player accidentally stepped into the limelight Thursday, costing his team 15 valuable yards and earning a permanent spot in social media infamy.
Redshirt sophomore cornerback Parker Jones was still trending online Friday morning even though he wasn't in pads Thursday — but still managed to make a key play in favor of opposing Notre Dame, early in the second quarter of the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton hooked up with Arian Smith for a 67-yard bomb down to the Irish 11-yard line.
As side judge JB Garza raced after Smith and Irish defender Xavier Watts, the official collided with Parker — who was not suited up for the game but still wearing a red Georgia jersey —inside a clearly marked white lane that runs out of bounds, along the sidelines, that's meant to be clear of any players.
The Dawgs were flagged for 15 yards, pushing them back to the Notre Dame 26 where the drive stalled. Runs of 2 and 1 yards preceded an incomplete pass as Georgia was forced to settle for a 41-yard field goal by Peyton Woodring.
Rating: 5