Top 2023 NFL Draft prospect Jalen Carter is set to turn himself in to authorities in Athens, Georgia, and prove his innocence after an arrest warrant for reckless driving and racing was issued for the Georgia Bulldogs star on Wednesday.
On Wednesday morning, the NFL Combine was rocked by the revelation that authorities in Athens, Georgia had officially put out a warrant for the arrest of top prospect Jalen Carter, in regard to his part in the tragic deaths of teammate Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy in a car crash in January.
The fatal accident happened just days after Georgia won its second consecutive national championship game. LeCroy was driving an SUV without authorization and a police investigation determined the vehicle was operated at speeds well over the 40 MPH speed limit in the 900 block of Barnett Shoals Road.
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Willock, 20, died at the scene of the crash. LeCroy, 24, passed from her injuries soon after at a nearby hospital. Two other members of the Georgia Bulldogs football program were also hurt in the crash but later released.
However, police in Athens believe the crash was no accident and was the result of reckless driving by Jalen Carter and Lecroy as the two were allegedly racing. A Wednesday report released by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department found that both vehicles had switched lanes, drove in opposite lanes, and overtook other motorists while racing at high speeds over 100 MPH.
Carter was present at the scene of the crash and reportedly gave different accounts of the cause of the incident to police.
Hours after the stunning news, the player many believe could be taken in the top three picks in this year’s NFL Draft released a statement on the accusations against him in Georgia on Twitter.
“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 chargers against me and to make certain that the complete and accurate truth is present. 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.”
– Jalen Carter
Jalen Carter is facing two misdemeanor charges of racing and reckless driving. The maximum penalty for each is a $1,000 fine, community service, and up to a year in prison.