Related video: Will the Seahawks Draft a QB in This Year’s Draft?
Former Georgia Bulldogs player and one of the top contenders for the upcoming NFL draft, Jalen Carter has been accused of reckless driving and racing in connection with a car accident in which a teammate and a staff member died.
An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
It states that Mr. Carter raced a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition led by 24-year-old staff member Chandler LeCroy prior to the January 15 crash. ESPN.
The news comes hours later. Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Carter allegedly was at the scene of the accident and later changed his story about what had happened while speaking to law enforcement.
Miss LeCroy and Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock died in the accident. Police initially said that only one vehicle was involved in the accident.
According to ESPN, Mr. Carter is currently with the NFL reconnaissance unit in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Reckless driving and racing are crimes in Georgia.
“I understand Mr Carter is making arrangements to surrender,” said Lieutenant Shaun Barnett of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
Jalen Carter: Everything we know about the top NFL candidate accused of racing in fatal car crash
Defensive tackle from Florida would become the first player selected in the NFL draft.
Graeme MassieMarch 1, 2023 19:58
Willock was pronounced dead at the scene on January 15.
It was announced that 20-year-old Willock died at the scene of the accident. LeCroy was transported to a hospital, where he died of his injuries.
Offensive lineman Warren McClendon, who has just announced plans to enter the NFL draft, suffered minor injuries. Georgia football team player Victoria Bowles was hospitalized with more serious injuries.
Georgia athletic department officials said on January 28 that LeCroy’s vehicle is expected to be used. only for recruitment activitiesnot for personal use.
Police say drivers speed up ‘in an apparent attempt to outrun each other’
According to the arrest warrant, an investigation by Athens police revealed that LeCroy and Carter were driving “consistently with the race” after they left Athens city center around 2:30 am.
The court order says evidence shows vehicles changing lanes, driving in the center-turning lane, driving in opposite lanes, overtaking other drivers, and driving at high speeds “in an obvious attempt to outrun each other.”
Police determined that LeCroy’s Expedition was traveling at approximately 104 mph (167 kph) shortly before the crash. The warrant says LeCroy’s blood-alcohol concentration at the time of the crash was .197. The legal limit in Georgia is .08.
Carter says he’ll clear his name
“I got a call this morning from the Athens Georgia Police Department that they had two misdemeanor warrants against me for reckless driving and racing.” tweeted Wednesday.
“This morning, numerous media reports circulated containing false information regarding the tragic events of January 15, 2023.
“My intention is to return to Athens to answer accusations of misdemeanor and ensure a complete and accurate representation of the truth.
“When all the facts are known, there is no question in my mind that I will be completely cleared of any crime.”
Graeme MassieMarch 1, 2023 19:03
Carter expected to address arrest warrant after returning to Georgia
According to Lieutenant Shaun Barnett of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Carter was due to travel to Indianapolis on Wednesday for the NFL reconnaissance group and is expected to address the arrest warrant when he returns to Athens.
“I understand that Mr. Carter has made arrangements to surrender,” Barnett said in an email to the AP.
The accident occurred just hours after the Bulldogs celebrated their second consecutive national championship with a parade and ceremony, killing LeCroy and Willock.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart expressed concern about the charges in a statement Wednesday.
“The accusations announced today are deeply concerning, especially as we are still struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss of two dear members of our community,” Smart said.
VIDEO: NFL Draft Prospect’s Jalen Carter Wanted by Police for Fatal Accident
NFL Draft Prospect Jalen Carter Wanted by Police for Fatal Accident
IndependentMarch 1, 2023 18:45
Toxicology reports indicate staff had high levels of alcohol
Toxicology reports state that LeCroy’s blood alcohol concentration was .197, more than double the legal driving limit in Georgia. Police said the jeep he was driving was traveling at 104 mph before the accident.
The accident occurred just hours after the team celebrated back-to-back national championships with a parade in Athens and a ceremony at the university’s Sanford Stadium.
“The accusations announced today are deeply concerning, especially as we struggle to come to terms with the devastating loss of two beloved members of our community,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said in a statement.
“We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities as we support these families and assess what we can learn from this terrible tragedy.”
Graeme Massie1 March 2023 18:30
Photos show Carter at the games weeks before the fatal crash
Georgia Bulldogs’ number 88 Jalen Carter tries to take down TCU Horned Frogs number 74 Andrew Coker in the second quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at SoFi Stadium on January 9, 2023.
(Getty Images)
Georgia Bulldogs’ Stetson Bennett #13 and Jalen Carter #88 celebrate after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia
(Getty Images)
Jalen Carter Georgia Bulldogs number 88, “Excellent!” Celebrates with a newspaper that writes. After defeating the TCU Horned Frogs in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on January 09, 2023
(Getty Images)
Gustaf KilanderMarch 1, 2023 18:15
Police say Carter and LeCroy “drive their cars in a race-appropriate manner”
Police said Wednesday that the evidence in the case showed that Carter and LeCroy were “using their vehicles in a race-appropriate manner” before the accident occurred.
“Evidence showed that both vehicles were changing lanes, driving in the center turning lane, driving in opposite lanes, overtaking other drivers and driving at high speeds to clearly outpace each other,” the police said in a statement. aforementioned.
Investigators claim that “alcohol disorder, racing, reckless driving and speed were major contributing factors to the accident.”
Graeme Massie1 March 2023 18:00
Police said Carter was ready to surrender.
A defensive tackle, Carter is the number one contender for the upcoming NFL draft. According to ESPN’s Mel Kuiper, and currently at the NFL reunion in Indianapolis.
Lieutenant Shaun Barnett of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department said, “I understand that Mr. Carter has made arrangements to surrender.” He told the Associated Press.
Graeme MassieMarch 1, 2023 17:45