His attorney stated that Jalen Carter, a former Georgia defensive lineman, pleaded not guilty to misdemeanors of reckless driving and racing related to a January car accident in which one of his teammates and a staffer died.
Carter was a standout player for the Georgia Bulldogs, and was a top draft pick in the NFLdraft. He was sentenced to 12 month probation, a $1,000 fine, and 80 hours community service. He will also be required to take a defensive driving course approved by the state.
Kim Stephens, Carter’s attorney, welcomed the resolution and said in a statement that she was happy to have worked with the solicitor general’s to come up with a fair and just resolution based on the evidence.
“Mr. Stephens stated that Carter is still grieving for his friends’ loss and continued to pray for their families as well as for healing for his injured friends.
Stephens stated that Carter’s plea was entered and the State is now barred from filing any further charges against Carter for conduct alleged on January 15, 2023.
Authorities had previously stated that Devin Willock, former offensive lineman from the University of Georgia, and Chandler LeCroy (recruiting analyst) were killed in a car accident on Jan. 15.
Carter was, according to them, behind the wheel of a 2020 Jeep Trackhawk that he was racing alongside LeCroy in a 2020 Ford Expedition.
Police stated that evidence showed that the vehicles were able to switch between lanes and drive in the center turn lane. They also drove in opposite directions, overtook other motorists, drove at high speeds, and apparently tried to outdistance one another.
Police said that the Expedition had been traveling at 104 mph just before the crash. LeCroy’s blood alcohol level was 0.197 “at time of crash.”
Police stated that investigators concluded that speed, alcohol impairment, racing and reckless driving were major contributing factors to the crash.
The accident occurred only a few hours following the parade by the Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium to honor their championship.
According to authorities, Warren McClendon, an offensive lineman, was also in the Expedition at the time of the accident. McClendon suffered only minor injuries after being seated in the right-hand front passenger seat. He was wearing a lap and shoulder restraint.
According to them, Willock (20 years old) was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Victoria Bowles was another member of the Georgia football team, according to police. She had been seated in Willock’s backseat, police stated. Police said that Bowles was not wearing a seatbelt and was admitted to hospital with serious injuries.
According to authorities, the Expedition “failed” to negotiate a left turn. The vehicle struck the curb with its front passenger tire, and then fled the roadway on the west shoulder.
After hitting a Georgia Power pole and another utility Pole, the SUV struck a tree in the rear quarter panel. The vehicle spun before hitting another tree on its driver’s side, where LeCroy and Willock were seated, police stated.
