Mark Schlabach, ESPN Senior Writer July 26, 2024 at 10:44am ET
CloseSenior writer for college footballAuthor of seven books on college footballGraduated from the University of Georgia
Georgia wide receiver Rodarius “Lara” Thomas was arrested early Friday morning on multiple domestic violence charges and is being held in the Athens-Clarke County Jail, according to jail records.
Thomas, a high school student from Eufaula, Alabama, was charged with domestic violence by child abuse, a second-degree felony, and two misdemeanor counts of domestic violence by assault. He was taken into custody at 3:20 a.m. ET on Friday and is being held without bail.
Georgia Athletic Department spokesman Stephen Drummond told ESPN, “This is an ongoing legal matter and we will not be commenting further.”
According to Georgia College Athletic Association guidelines, Thomas faces an immediate suspension after being charged with a felony.
This is Thomas’ second arrest on domestic violence charges since transferring from Mississippi State University to Georgia State University in 2023.
According to an arrest warrant obtained by ESPN at the time, Thomas was arrested by University of Georgia police in January 2023 and charged with felony false imprisonment for allegedly confining or detaining a person without lawful authority, including standing in front of a dorm room door, blocking the exit and telling the person they could not leave.
Thomas was also charged with misdemeanor assault for “intentionally causing visible bodily harm.” [by] He suffered a bruise on his right upper biceps and bruises and abrasions on his shins.”
Athens-Clarke County District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez dropped those criminal charges on March 8 after Thomas successfully completed a pretrial diversion program.
Thomas appeared in eight games for the Bulldogs last season, catching 23 passes for 383 yards and one touchdown before missing three games with a broken foot.
With star tight end Brock Bowers and receiver Ladd McConkey both leaving for the NFL, Thomas was expected to be a key part of Georgia’s passing game this season.
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