Back in January, Georgia offensive tackle Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in a horrific car crash during Georgia’s National Championship celebration.
And earlier this month, it was announced that star Georgia defensive lineman and projected number one overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, Jalen Carter, was issued a warrant for his arrest for his alleged involvement in the wreck.
He was charged with reckless driving and racing, as he was reportedly street racing with LeCroy at the time of the crash.
Carter left the scene initially, and lied to the police about his whereabouts.
However, Carter shared a statement maintaining his innocence, saying:
“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.
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.”
He was booked into jail on March 1st at 11:33 PM, and released 16 minutes later on a $4,000 bond, which included $2,500 for racing, and $1,500 for reckless driving.
And now, according to TMZ, Carter will be able to avoid jail time, as his attorney announced that he cut a plea deal with prosecutors today, and has been sentenced to probation.
His attorney, Kim Stephens, said Carter agreed to plead no contest to the two misdemeanors from his alleged involvement in the wreck.
He was sentenced to one year probation, and had to pay a fine of $1,000, along with completing 80 hours of community service. He also has to partake in a defensive driving course.
Stephens said in a statement:
“With entry of his plea, the State is forever barred from bringing any additional charges against Jalen Carter for conduct alleged to have occurred on January 15, 2023.”
Stephens also denied that Carter caused the wreck, saying he:
“Stopped his car immediately after the accident occurred and ran toward the wrecked vehicle while his passenger called 911.
Even after being informed that he could leave, Mr. Carter returned to the scene at the request of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department to answer additional questions and continued to cooperate throughout the investigation.”
Stephens also added that Carter had not been drinking, and was not under the influence of anything at the time of the wreck.
She concluded:
“We are happy that we were able to work with the Solicitor General’s office to reach a resolution that was fair and just and based on the evidence in this case. Mr. Carter continues to grieve the loss of his friends and continues to pray for their families, as well as for continued healing for injured friends.”
Sounds like his legal issues are behind him and won’t further affect his draft stock.
But this might…
Carter came into his Pro Day 9 pounds over his combine weight, looked absolutely gassed during drills, and didn’t even try running the 40.
Not good…
