Georgia RB Trevor Etienne Arrested on DUI Charges, Highlighting Ongoing Driving Issues Within Bulldogs Program
The University of Georgia’s football program has once again been marred by an arrest related to driving offenses. This time, running back Trevor Etienne, the younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars star Travis Etienne, was booked on charges of driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and other misdemeanors.
The incident comes just over a year after a tragic crash that claimed the lives of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy, an offensive lineman and recruiting staffer respectively. The Bulldogs program has faced several driving-related incidents since then, raising concerns about the team’s culture and policies.
Trevor Etienne’s Arrest
Trevor Etienne, who recently transferred to Georgia from Florida, was arrested in Athens early in the morning on charges including DUI. of particular note is that his DUI charge is described as ‘less safe,’ which means he can be convicted regardless of his blood-alcohol level being higher than the legal limit. In addition to DUI, he also faces misdemeanor charges related to improper driving and obstructing visibility with materials on windows/windshield.
The Troubled History
The Bulldogs football program has been plagued by driving-related issues since their national title win in January 2023. The most tragic incident occurred when Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy lost their lives in a crash believed to have resulted from street racing.
LeCroy was allegedly racing defensive tackle Jalen Carter when their vehicle crashed into trees and electrical poles at high speeds. LeCroy’s blood-alcohol level was found to be more than twice the legal limit.
Repercussions for Jalen Carter
Jalen Carter, now playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving in relation to the fatal crash. He received 12 months’ probation and a $1,000 fine as part of his sentence. It is worth noting that Carter had previously received a warning for speeding just months before this incident.
Since the tragic crash that claimed two lives within their program, the University of Georgia has seen multiple players face arrest or tickets for speeding or reckless driving offenses. A total of 15 players have been involved
in such incidents which have raised concerns about the culture within the Bulldogs football program.
A lawsuit filed following the fatal crash accused program officials of negligence for allowing staff members to drive under the influence while operating department vehicles.
Efforts towards Change
Head coach Kirby Smart maintains that efforts are being made to address these ongoing issues within his team.
However, last year he rejected suggestions that different policies could have prevented these fatalities. Smart emphasized that it was not a lack or presence of policies that caused these accidents but rather individual choices made by those involved.
With yet another arrest related to driving offenses within their football program, the University of Georgia must confront ongoing concerns regarding player conduct. Trevor Etienneโs recent arrest highlights a troubling pattern,
raising questions about accountability and cultural norms within Bulldogs football.
As authorities work through legal proceedings surrounding this case, it remains crucial for all parties involved โ athletes, coaches, administrators โto prioritize safety both on and off-the-field moving forward