Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who was expected to be one of the top players in next month’s NFL draft, has been charged with reckless driving and racing in relation to a crash that killed offensive lineman Devin Willock and a recruiting staff member. The charges were announced by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, who issued an arrest warrant on Wednesday, alleging that Carter was racing his 2021 Jeep Track hawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by the recruiting staffer. The incident occurred on January 15, just hours after the Bulldogs celebrated their second straight national championship.
The Arrest Warrant of Jalen Carter
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Carter after a police investigation found that both Carter and the recruiting staff member were racing their vehicles in a manner consistent with racing. The warrant alleges that they were driving in the center of the roadway and at a high rate of speed, and that this caused the collision that killed two people. It is still unclear how fast the vehicles were traveling at the time of the crash.
Jalen Carter’s Statement
Carter issued a statement on his Twitter account saying that he expects to be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing. He said that numerous media reports had circulated this morning containing inaccurate information concerning the tragic events of January 15, 2023. It is his intention to return to Athens to answer the misdemeanor charges against him and to make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented. He believes that when all of the facts are known, he will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.
Reaction from Georgia Coach Kirby Smart
Georgia coach Kirby Smart expressed concern about the charges, especially as they came at a time when the community was still struggling to cope with the loss of two beloved members. He said that the charges were deeply concerning and that the school would continue to cooperate fully with the authorities while supporting the families affected by the tragedy.
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Conclusion
The tragic incident in January took the lives of two people, and the arrest warrant issued for Jalen Carter has raised serious concerns. It remains to be seen how the case will proceed, and whether Carter will be exonerated or face further charges. The incident is a reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and racing, and the need to take responsibility for one’s actions on the road.