Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who is expected to be a first-round pick in the NFL draft next month, has been charged with reckless driving and racing in connection with the crash that killed offensive lineman Devin Willock and a recruiting staff member.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department issued an arrest warrant, which The Associated Press obtained on Wednesday, alleging Jalen Carter was racing his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by the recruiting staffer, 24-year-old Chandler LeCroy, which resulted in the Jan. 15 wreck.
Carter was scheduled to attend the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday, and he is expected to address the arrest warrant when he returns to Athens, according to Lt. Shaun Barnett of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
“It is my understanding that Mr. Carter is making arrangements to turn himself in,” Barnett said in an e-mail to the AP.
Read the Jalen Carter Statements:
“This morning I received a telephone call from the Athens, Georgia, police department informing me that two misdemeanor warrants have been issued against me for reckless driving and racing,” Carter said. “Numerous media reports also have circulated this morning containing inaccurate information concerning the tragic events of January 15, 2023. It is my intention to return to Athens to answer the misdemeanor charges against me and to make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented. There is no question in my mind that when all of the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.”
In a statement released Wednesday, Georgia coach Kirby Smart expressed his displeasure with the charges.
“The charges announced today are deeply concerning, especially as we are still struggling to cope with the devastating loss of two beloved members of our community,” Smart said.
According to the arrest warrant, Athens police discovered LeCroy and Carter driving their vehicles “in a manner consistent with racing” after leaving downtown Athens at around 2:30 a.m.
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Evidence shows that the vehicles switched lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes, overtook other motoristsnd. A drove at high speeds “in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other,” according to the warrant.
LeCroy’s Expedition was traveling at approximately 104 mph (167 kph) at the time of the crash. According to police. According to the warrant, LeCroy had a blood-alcohol concentration of.197 at the time of the crash. In Georgia, the legal limit is.08.
Willock, 20, was declared dead at the scene of the accident. LeCroy was taken to the hospital, where she died as a result of her injuries.
Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith became emotional while discussing Willock at the scouting combine on Wednesday.
“This is the first time I’m talking about it,” Smith said. “That’s my guy. That’s one person that never did anything wrong. I get sensitive talking about it just because I love him. He never did anything wrong in his three years.”
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The crash injured offensive lineman Warren McClendon. Who had just announced his intention to enter the NFL draft. Victoria Bowles, a Georgia football staffer, was hospitalized with more serious injuries.
The Jan. 15 crash was not the first time a Georgia player was accused of racing and speeding. Jamon Dumas-Johnson, the second-leading tackler in 2022, was arrested on Feb. 22 on reckless driving and racing charges.
Dumas-Johnson was released on Feb. 23 after posting a combined bond of $4,000 — $2,500 for allegedly racing on highways/streets. And $1,500 for allegedly reckless driving — according to Athens-Clarke County jail records.
Georgia athletic department officials stated on Jan. 28 that LeCroy’s vehicle would be used only for recruiting purposes and not for personal use.
