Recardo and Therian Wimbush were found guilty of second-degree child cruelty charges Friday for incidents involving two of their children dating back to 2012.
Here are five things to know about the father Recardo Wimbush, a former college football player.
1. Wimbush is a native of Blakely, Ga.
Recardo Lanard Wimbush was born April 3, 1981 and grew up in Blakely, located approximately three hours south of Atlanta.
Wimbush attended Early County High, where he lettered four times in football and three in track before committing to Georgia Tech.
2. Wimbush starred as a linebacker at Georgia Tech
Wimbush started 50 straight games for the Yellow Jackets from 1999 to 2002.
The former linebacker became the program’s first freshman to lead the team in tackles and was named a team captain his senior season.
Wimbush finished his Georgia Tech career as one of the leading tacklers in program history. His career 32 tackles for loss is still tied for the 13th most in program history.
Credit: ERIK S. LESSER
Credit: ERIK S. LESSER
3. Wimbush briefly signed with the Falcons
Following his four-year career at Tech, Wimbush signed as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons in April 2003.
The team released him after training camp.
4. Recardo met and married his wife Therian during his time at Tech
Recardo and Therian Wimbush met in August 1999 while both were Georgia Tech students. Therian tutored fellow Tech students and graduated with a dual degree from Tech and Spelman College.
Recardo and Therian had two of their 10 children while Recardo studied and played football for Tech.
MORE: Wimbushes question children in case of siblings' alleged abuse
5. Wimbush returned to Tech to complete his degree in 2010
Wimbush studied management during his time at Tech but didn’t complete his degree until 2010. Recardo would go on to become a supervisor at a railroad company while Therian home-schooled their children.
