Last year in October, the SEC hit the Texas Longhorns with a $250K fine after fans lost their cool during the Georgia Bulldogs’ 30-15 win in Austin. Furious over a penalty, Longhorn fans littered the field with bottles and trash, bringing the game to a standstill. And who were at the opposite end, facing their rage? The Georgia players and the coaches. One year on, the mother of a Georgia defensive back has sent a clear message to Steve Sarkisian and Texas supporters to mind their manners on the field.

Kirby Smart’s safety KJ Bolden has taken on a leadership role for Georgia’s defense. Off the field, his mother tries to make it easier for his boy and his squad. On November 11, LEE Ring tweeted a screenshot of Bolden’s mother, Lakeisha Wright’s Facebook post. “If Texas fans start throwing water bottles, beer, or any other beverages, It’s up in the stands. 👊🏾Last year they started throwing items on the field at our players, and coaches when we played in Austin,” Bolden’s mother kept things sharp. “I was there, and I saw it out my own eyes very distasteful.”

Someone had to hold the reins tightly, and this time it was Bolden’s mother. After all, Sarkisian and the Longhorns had taken no strict action against the fans for the October incident. The mood in Austin flipped fast. One moment, Texas fans were roaring after Jahdae Barron’s interception return to Georgia. The next fury erupted when a pass interference call erased the play and handed Georgia a first down. The reaction? Bottles and trash came flying onto the field in protest. Handing the $250,000 was not enough for the SEC.

The conference held Sarkisian and co. accountable and mandated “to use all available resources, including security, stadium, and television video, to identify individuals who threw objects onto the playing field.” After identification, those found guilty were to be banned from Texas athletic events for the rest of the 2024–25 school year. In December 2024, AP’s Jim Vertuno reported, “In a report to the league sent last month, Texas officials said a video review did not identify any of the culprits.” 

Georgia head coach Smart, too, shared his displeasure. “I will say that now you’ve set a precedent that you throw a bunch of stuff on the field and endanger athletes to get what you want,” he dropped his jab. While Bolden’s mother will go to any lengths to protect his son and his team, Smart already feels super proud of the Georgia safety.

KJ Bolden turned into a leader in the Georgia Bulldogs’ secondary

Back in August, Dawg Post’s Ryan Kerley talked highly of Bolden. On the UGA Football on Dawg Post podcast, he said, “A lot of people think has all-American potential. He’s fast. I think he can tackle well for his size. He has an opportunity to be one of the best defensive backs in the country this year.” Cut to November 2025, and Kerley was actually right about Bolden. 

A year ago, Bolden was soaking up wisdom from Malaki Starks and Dan Jackson. Now, the sophomore safety is the one steering Georgia’s defense. And Smart says he’s doing it with the kind of maturity coaches dream about. Even as Georgia’s defense shows a few cracks, Bolden’s been the glue keeping the unit intact. Nine games in, Bolden’s stat sheet tells the story- 47 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery. Always steady, smart, and always around the ball. It’s an absolute proud moment for his parents.

KJ’s father, Kai Bolden, has been hands-on in shaping his son’s journey- physically, mentally, and everything in between. So it’s no surprise he told UGASports that Georgia is where one comes to grow and get ready for Sundays. Now, KJ’s mom has taken on her own role, Georgia’s fiercest defender, standing tall against the Texas fan chaos. And with how far he’s come, it’s clear KJ’s Georgia story has earned pride from his coach, his team, and his family alike.