"What's in my little bubble": Kirby Smart drops unfiltered take on Jaden Rashada's $13.8M failed NIL deal lawsuit against Florida HC Billy Napier

Kirby Smart, a straight shooter, doesn’t like to mince words. He followed a similar stance when discussing the $13.8 million NIL lawsuit involving Jaden Rashada and Florida coach Billy Napier.

The Georgia coach addressed the issue at the SEC Spring Meetings on Tuesday, while maintaining Georgia’s integrity.

“I don’t really get caught up in that. I worry about what’s in my little bubble at Georgia, and that’s outside the bubble,” Smart said via On3's Jesse Simonton.

The lawsuit, filed May 21, claims Rashada was repeatedly lied to about NIL promises during his recruitment, including a $1 million pledge from Billy Napier to secure Rashada’s commitment to Florida over Miami.

“I told him that’d be between his family and his attorneys," Smart said. "I’m not involved in it. Georgia’s not involved in it in any way.”

Former Florida NIL director Marcus Castro-Walker and booster Hugh Hathcock are also defendants. Smart said that Rashada informed him about the lawsuit a day before it was filed.

Kirby Smart's Georgia is motivated heading into 2024 CFB season

The Bulldogs coach is gearing up for the 2024 college football season with renewed motivation. In an interview with ESPN's Paul Finebaum, Kirby Smart talked about each team's unique character and specific needs.

“This team has been a little hungrier in spring ball because they didn’t win it," Smart said. "They weren’t in the playoffs. So, there’s a little more motivation there.”

Last season, the Bulldogs started strong with an undefeated regular season and a 29-game Southeastern Conference winning streak. However, a 27-24 loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship knocked the two-time defending national champions out of the College Football Playoff.

“You can win all these games consecutively, but if you don’t win the championship ... you look back and say, ‘What could we have done better?’” Smart said.

However, Kirby Smart is optimistic about the future, ready to tackle the challenges head-on.

“We’ve got a really tough schedule, and I’m excited to go out there and play,” he said.

He wants his team to take one game at a time and enjoy the small victories while keeping the bigger picture in mind.