Top NFL draft prospect Jalen Carter sentenced to probation in fatal wreck
Former Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter, widely regarded as one of the top picks in next month’s NFL draft, pleaded no contest Thursday to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing, his attorney told ESPN.
Carter was sentenced to 12 months of probation, a $1,000 fine and 80 hours of community service. He also will attend a state-approved defensive driving course.
Per his attorney Kim Stephens, the resolution of the matter means the state is forever barred from bringing additional charges against Carter.
“We are happy that we were able to work with the solicitor general’s office to reach a resolution that was fair and just based on the evidence in this case,” Stephens told ESPN. “Mr Carter continues to grieve for the loss of his friends and continues to pray for their families, as well as for the continued healing for injured friends.”
Carter was arrested and booked during the week of the combine in connection with the 15 January fatal crash that claimed the lives of Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy.
Police said LeCroy’s SUV was traveling 104mph when it veered off the road and hit two power poles and several trees. Police said her blood alcohol level was .197, approximately two and a half times the legal limit in Georgia.
“If the investigation had determined otherwise, Mr Carter would have been charged with the far more serious offenses of vehicular homicide and serious injury by vehicle under Georgia law, both felony offenses, and would have faced a lengthy prison sentence,” Stephens said in a statement to ESPN.
The 6ft 3in Carter was a unanimous All-American in 2022 and led the Bulldogs to back-to-back College Football Playoff championships.
But the 21-year-old from central Florida appeared below his standard on Wednesday before an audience of NFL scouts, general managers and coaches at Georgia’s pro day on Wednesday.
Following position drills, he was sprawled on his back with arms outstretched on the turf, suffering from apparent cramps. The defensive tackle did not participate in other tests, including the 40-yard dash and broad jump.
Carter weighed 323lbs on Wednesday. He was listed by Georgia at 300lbs during the 2022 season and checked in at 314lbs for the NFL scouting combine in late February.
After the Athens-Clarke County Police Department issued the arrest warrant, Carter posted a statement on his Twitter account on 1 March, saying “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.”