Georgia Football Player Charged After Viral TikTok Challenge

A viral TikTok challenge has resulted in legal trouble for a freshman player from the University of Georgia (UGA). Defensive tackle London Seymour, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Richard Seymour, was arrested on January 29, 2023, following allegations that he and three others caused significant damage to 11 doors in two UGA dormitories on December 5-6, 2022.

Seymour was charged with 11 felony counts of criminal damage to property. After posting bond, he was released. His attorney, Kim Stephens, expressed intentions to seek dismissal of the case through a Pretrial Diversion Program. This program would require Seymour and the co-defendants to cover the costs of the damages incurred.

In a statement to ESPN, Stephens criticized the UGA Police Department for the severity of the charges. “The UGAPD took 11 warrants in a case that they could have and should have taken a single warrant,” he stated. He emphasized that the incident involved a TikTok “door kick” challenge, a trend that has gained popularity among young people across the country.

Despite the controversy, London Seymour participated in Georgia’s season opener, contributing to a decisive 45-7 victory against Marshall. He joined the Bulldogs as a walk-on, following in the footsteps of his father, who played at Georgia from 1997 to 2000. Richard Seymour was a first-round pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, where he won three Super Bowls and recorded 57.5 sacks during his 12-year career, which concluded in 2012 after four seasons with the Raiders. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

The incident at UGA has sparked discussions regarding accountability and the influence of social media challenges on young individuals. As the legal process unfolds, the outcome of Seymour’s case will be closely monitored, reflecting broader implications for student-athletes and their conduct. The university community remains engaged as they await further developments in this case.