Kirby Smart made it perfectly clear during Tuesday’s scheduled press conference – when it comes to potentially kicking players off the team for first-offense driving arrests – that’s a line he doesn’t intend to cross.

When asked by UGASports, Smart said, “No, I don't believe in ultimatums when it comes to that. I really don't think that's a recipe for the problem. I don't think that solves anything.”

The question came in light of last week’s arrests of wide receiver Nitro Tuggle and Marques Easley on separate misdemeanor driving charges.

Both players were suspended indefinitely from all team activities last week by Smart.

“We'll continue to look at each one of these on a case-by-case basis,” Smart said. “Things that surround each one of these, outside of just the immediate reaction is how in the world can this happen again, and I get that. But each one in a case-by-case basis, you have to look at it that these are your children, because that's the way I look at it.”

Smart said his goal is to treat his players the same way he treats his own children.

“I look at what I would do with my children, and they’re (his players) 18- to 19- to 20-year-olds,” Smart said. “They make mistakes, and the consequences that come with those are based on a case-by-case basis, and that's really what these two, right now, are dealing with.”

Smart said he and the University continue to make major efforts in trying to keep the same mistakes from happening again.

“Both of them are younger players and have made crucial mistakes. As far as the process we've followed, it's not been several months. It's been several years in terms of defensive driving courses, having players ride and learn how to drive, just like my two kids did, with a driver's service,” Smart said. “(Athletic Director) Josh Brooks has done a tremendous job meeting with every player. We've had several speakers come in, and we continue to educate and we're not gonna stop at that.”

Smart said that many of the incidents are occurring with players just learning to drive for the first time.

“It's very unfortunate that one of those young men got his driver's license within one month of that happening, at 18 or 19 years old,” Smart said. “It’s amazing how many kids come to school without a driver's license. So, it's no excuse, but one of those things we will continue to educate and discipline our guys to try to correct it.”