Kirby Smart attempts to clear the air on viral 'fake timeout' in Georgia's win over Auburn
http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/college-sports/kirby-smart-attempts-to-clear-the-air-on-viral-fake-timeout-in-georgia-s-win-over-auburn/ar-AA1OiF1A
By Kelsey Kramer
A to Z Sports
October 11, 2025
Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is going viral for calling a "fake timeout" in the team's 20-10 win over the Auburn Tigers on Sunday.
For viewers watching, Smart was spotted sprinting down the sidelines, making an obvious timeout signal with his hands, but when the referee called it, he completely switched up and said he was just clapping.
The clock stopped; however, the referee took his word and gave Georgia their timeout back.
Graham Coffey (@GrahamCoffeyDC) ~ Kirby Smart running the fake timeout might be the most galaxy brain shit I’ve ever seen.
Video ~ http://twitter.com/i/status/1977206083891405281
"Galaxy brain stuff"? Nah, that's properly called "LYING YOUR ASS OFF"!
Following the win, Smart attempted to clear the air and say that an Auburn player was clapping, which should have been an instant penalty.
“I didn’t need a timeout because we were going to get it off before the shot clock," Smart said. "I wanted them to call it because it’s a penalty. “
Smart also noted that he had someone in the booth watching for Auburn’s clapping on every snap before getting the referee's attention.
Clips of the moment going viral do show an Auburn defender clearly clapping.
In the rules of football, defensive players are banned from clapping to avoid simulating the offensive snap or interfering with the offense. If a defensive player claps and then causes an offensive player to false start, a 5-yard penalty is enforced for a disconcerting signal.
Yeah, Kirby ... we know the rules, but the fingertips of your right hand were clearly being poked into the palm of your left hand - an UNDENIABLE signal for a timeout, as you were running towards the referee. And, no ... your team was NOT gonna get that play off in time and you know it. Quit lying and tell the truth, or surrender your man-card.
The essential American soul is hard, isolate, stoic, and a killer. It has never yet melted. ~ D.H. Lawrence
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