ATHENS, Ga. – Former University of Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford and current Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart have contributed a total of $500,000 to an athletic department program focused on diversity and social justice.
Jere W. Morehead, the school’s president, said Friday the initiative will “promote an inclusive culture” among all members of the athletic association, including student-athletes, coaches and staff.
Among the initial gifts were a $350,000 commitment from Stafford and his wife, Kelly, a former Georgia cheerleader. Stafford played with the Bulldogs from 2006 to 2008 and has been with the Detroit Lions since he was the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft.
Smart, a former Bulldogs defensive back, and his wife, Mary Beth, a former Lady Bulldogs basketball player, pledged $150,000 toward the program. Both commitments are part of larger gifts from both couples that are still being finalized.
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