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ANOTHER Georgia Star Busted For DUI & Reckless Speeding … Why Does This Keep Happening To The Bulldogs??

As hard as he’s tried, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart just can’t seem to get through to his players when it comes to off-field trouble, in particular on the roads. 

Even the tragic incident involving Jalen Carter last year hasn’t been enough to scare some of the Dawgs straight.

The latest incident involves Georgia running back Trevor Etienne who was busted for DUI this past weekend after being caught recklessly speeding.

According to a report from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Etienne was driving at a speed of 80 to 90 mph in a 50-mph zone around 1:50 a.m. on Sunday.

The report also mentioned that Etienne twice crossed over a double yellow line to pass vehicles.

The 19-year-old transfer from Florida, admitted to consuming three beers “way earlier” and declined to consent to a field sobriety test.

Etienne was charged with DUI, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane/improper driving on the road, and affixing materials that reduce visibility of windows/windshield.

The DUI charge against him is classified as “less safe,” implying he can be convicted even if his blood alcohol level is less than .08.

Unfortunately for Smart, the charges against Etienne have become a reoccurring theme around Athens.

“As we also know, kids sometimes don’t make the best decisions,” Smart said. “The older you get, sometimes the tougher the consequences are for your mistakes.”

“He’s not going to let this mistake define him. He’s embarrassed. He’s upset. He knows he made a mistake. It’s a teaching moment, and we hope he gets better from it.”

Etienne faces disciplinary action from both the university and the athletic department following the arrest.

Under athletic department policy, Etienne will miss 10% of Georgia’s season, which equates to at least one game under the Bulldogs 12-game schedule if found guilty of DUI.

Georgia is set to open their 2024 season against Clemson on August 31 in Atlanta. 

While the Dawgs will surely be heavily favored to beat Dabo Swinney’s Tigers with or without Etienne, not having him available would certainly hurt.

Smart expressed support for Etienne, describing him as a “great kid, great person.”

The younger brother of NFL running back Travis Etienne, Trevor is coming off two strong seasons with the Florida Gators where he rushed for 1,472 yards and 15 touchdowns.

He’s expected to play a vital role for the Bulldogs this coming season. 

This incident adds to a series of recklessness among Georgia football players.

Last year alone, players were arrested or cited for speeding or reckless driving at least 14 times, following a tragic crash that claimed the lives of offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy.

Speeding, street racing and alcohol were reported factors in that fatal accident.

Smart revealed that the team regularly receives counseling on the dangers of reckless driving and driving under the influence.

Guest speakers, including former NFL receiver Donte Stallworth, who had his own DUI-related tragedy, have addressed the team to underscore the severity of such actions.

“It wasn’t just because of some of the issues we’ve had, but we got [Stallworth] in here because over and above getting a DUI and all that entails, you can kill somebody,” Smart said.

“I wanted our kids to hear it from somebody who had gone through something that terrible.”

Georgia offensive tackle Earnest Greene III acknowledged the team’s responsibility in preventing such incidents, stating, “It’s on us.”

Of course, no one is perfect, and we all make mistakes. 

Having said that, it’s unfortunate that the same mistakes keep happening over and over and over again with the Bulldogs.

What are your thoughts on the latest incident involving Etienne?

What needs to be done to fix the reoccurring problem in Athens???

 

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