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The tragedy drew the attention of not just the teams but the broader community. Freeman pointed out the solidarity shared among fans, exemplifying how, in light of darkness, even rival supporters could unite. While he had not spoken directly with Georgia’s Coach Kirby Smart since the attack, they had been connected through their athletic directors, who were in communication during these challenging times.
Despite the competition, respect transcended the game. Both coaches understood that the aspect of camaraderie and humanity outweighed the importance of football. Freeman shared his admiration for Smart, noting that the true concerns of life and community took precedence over any game outcome.