Elite 2023 NFL Draft prospect Jalen Carter will avoid jail time following his arrest during the NFL Combines earlier this month.
The narrative surrounding Georgia Bulldogs defensive star Jalen Carter has seen a massive shift in the last few weeks. Following Georgia’s second straight national championship win earlier this year, Jalen Carter was viewed as, arguably, the best player in this year’s draft at any position.
If not for a strong quarterback class in 2023, and many QB-needy teams at the top of the draft, Carter very well could have been the top player taken in April. However, that all changed in March when an arrest warrant was issued by Athens, Georgia police after an investigation found Carter gave a misleading account of his involvement in a fatal car crash days after Georgia’s victory over Alabama.
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It put a dark cloud over the 21-year-old’s future and left questions on his possible availability for the NFL Draft and next season. However, Thursday brought a definitive answer to the questions and it is mostly good news for the star defensive tackle.
This morning, The Athletic’s Georgia football beat writer Seth Emerson reported that Jalen Carter had reached a plea deal with Athens-Clarke County authorities and will avoid serving any jail time for his questionable recounting of the crash that killed teammate Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy.
Jalen Carter stats (2022): 32 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
However, Carter will not leave the situation unscathed. Emerson also revealed that the player will “receive 12 months probation, pay a $1,000 fine, perform 80 hours community service, and finish a driving course.”
On Wednesday, it was reported that the situation, as well as a poor performance at Georgia’s pro day this week, have had a notable effect on Jalen Carter’s draft stock. However, there is no doubt he will still be picked in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and likely within the top 10.
Carter’s attorney, Kim T. Stephens, released also released a statement following the news of her client’s plea deal.