Former Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Jalen Carter, a two-time national champion, pleaded no contest on Thursday to charges of reckless driving and racing.
A judge sentenced Jalen Carter to 12 months of probation, a $1,000 fine and 80 hours of community service.
“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,” Carter’s attorney, Kim Stephens said. “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.”
As part of the plea agreement, the state is barred from pressing additional charges related to the incident against Carter.
Stephens also defended her client, saying Carter did not cause the car wreck on Jan. 15th that killed football player Devin Wilock and recruiting staffer Chandler LaRoy. Police alleged LeCroy was racing Carter and the two SUVs collided. Police allege that LeCroy’s SUV was traveling 104 miles-per-hour when it “left the road and hit two power poles and several trees.”
“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 .
The NFL world was quick to react to the news:
I pray
everything fall in place for JALEN CARTER!!! #GODAWGS — Terrence Williams!! (@TwillGotBandz) March 16, 2023
Only time will tell how this incident affects Carter’s draft stock ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.
[ESPN]
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