Former Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter pleaded no contest Thursday to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and speeding in connection with a January car crash that killed a teammate and a team employee, his attorney said.
Carter, a standout for the national champion Georgia Bulldogs and a projected top pick in the NFL Draft, was sentenced to 12 months’ probation, a $1,000 fine and 80 hours of community service. He is also expected to attend a state-approved defensive driving course.
Carter’s attorney Kim Stephens welcomed the resolution in a statement Thursday, saying, “We are pleased that we were able to work with the Solicitor General’s Office to reach a resolution in this case that is fair and evidence-based.” Were.”
“Mr. Stephens said, Carter is saddened for the loss of his friends and continues to pray for their families, as well as continued prayers for the injured friends.
Stephens noted that with the entry of Carter’s plea, “the State is forever barred from bringing any additional charges against Jalen Carter for the conduct that allegedly occurred on January 15, 2023.”
Authorities previously said that on January 15, former University of Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and 24-year-old recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy were killed in a crash.
Carter, he said, was behind the wheel of a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk, which he was racing with LeCroy, who was campaigning a 2021 Ford.
Police said, “Evidence shows that both vehicles switched between lanes, moved into the center turn lane, moved into the opposite lane of travel, overtook other motorists, and drove at a high speed.” Are.”
Shortly before the accident occurred, the Expedition had reached 104 mph, police said, and Lecroy’s blood alcohol content was 0.197 “at the time of the accident”.
“Investigators have determined that alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving and speed were significant contributing factors to the accident,” police said.
The accident happened just hours after the Bulldogs held a parade followed by a ceremony to honor their championship at Sanford Stadium.
Officials said others were on the drive with LeCroy when the accident unfolded, including offensive lineman Warren McClendon. Police said McClendon, who was sitting in the right-side passenger seat, wearing a shoulder and lap restraint, suffered only minor injuries.
They said Willock, 20, was not wearing a seatbelt during the crash.
Police said another member of the Georgia football staff, Victoria Bowles, was sitting in the back seat with Willock. Police said Boles, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered serious injuries and was admitted to a hospital.
Officials said Expedition “failed to negotiate a left curve, resulting in the vehicle hitting the curb with its front passenger tire and leaving the road onto the west shoulder.”
The SUV struck a Georgia power pole and another utility pole, before hitting a tree on the rear passenger quarter panel. Police said the vehicle spun before hitting another tree on the driver’s side – where Lecroy and Willock were both sitting.
