Georgia running back Trevor Etienne was arrested early Sunday on charges of driving under the influence, reckless driving and two other misdemeanors, according to online records. Etienne was booked at 4:35 a.m. Sunday in the Athens-Clarke Jail and released about an hour later after posting bond.[1] The 20-year-old faces charges of DUI, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane/improper driving on the road and affixing materials that reduce visibility of windows/windshield. Etienne’s DUI charge is classified as “less safe,” which in Georgia means he can be convicted even if his blood alcohol level is less than .08.[2]
Trevor Etienne is a Florida transfer and the younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne. He has been projected as Georgia’s top running back after transferring in from Florida, where he rushed for 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns on 249 carries in two seasons. Etienne has two years of eligibility remaining. Georgia has released a statement on this matter stating, “We are aware of the charges and are currently in the process of gathering additional information, this is a pending legal matter and we will not have further comment at this time.”[3]
Georgia’s football program had a rash of traffic and speeding-related incidents last year. There were at least 15 traffic stops involving members of the Bulldogs’ football program driving excessive speeds in 2023, including three instances of driving under the influence. These came into focus hours after Georgia celebrated its national title, in the crash that killed player Devin Willock and team staffer Chandler LeCroy. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter was also caught racing in this crash, and we saw the effects of his decisions as he was picked lower in the draft than projected, as he had to leave scouting events to attend court for his charges. Etienne won’t face these direct issues as he is not declaring for the draft, but he has been in spring practice preparing for RB1 and this may affect the coaching staff’s decision.
If convicted of a DUI, an athlete may face a sentence of a driver’s license suspension, fines, probation, or even time in jail. However, this is far from the end of a student-athlete’s concerns after a DUI conviction. Every college and university has its own Code of Conduct to which students must adhere. Georgia’s team policy requires that athletes convicted of DUI serve a suspension of at least one game. Georgia’s season opener is against Clemson on August 31. We will continue to watch and monitor how and if this arrest affects Etienne’s upcoming season.
[1] https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/39800367/georgia-rb-trevor-etienne-booked-dui-three-other-charges
[2] Id.
[3] Id.
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