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.
An arrest warrant has been issued for top draft prospect DL Jalen Carter. He has been implicated by police for racing in the crash that caused the deaths of a former teammate and UGA staff member. #Jumbo pic.twitter.com/oD1wgKgAzL
— FantasyHolics (@FantasyHolics1) March 1, 2023
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.
Huge news for Georgia Bulldogs star transfer RB Trevor Etienne arrested on four misdemeanors, including DUI pic.twitter.com/kLWwp1ceLc
— Fantasy Fanatics (@FFB_Fanatics) March 24, 2024
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.
I mean, I realize the coaches and staff cannot babysit these guys 100% of the time, but come on. This is getting beyond ridiculous.
— Nobody (@textual_content) March 24, 2024
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.
Brushes with the law have been a component of the UGA football culture for a good number of years… this common knowledge and behavior needs to change for the better… -DW @GeorgiaFootball #UGA #Bulldogs #football
— DeSota Wilson (@desota) March 24, 2024
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.”
Kirby Smart on the Trevor Etienne situation (2 of 2) pic.twitter.com/70RCV0dw18
— Lance McCurley (@lancemccurley) March 26, 2024
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.
Trevor etienne getting that dui most likely he will be suspended one game which should make Rodrick Robinson RB1 going into game 1 vs Clemson 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/ikjxonywbn
— D.S.G.B (@TheRealRashaud) March 24, 2024
Smart expressed support for Etienne, describing him as a “great kid, great person.”
Typical Kirby letting them slide. He has lost complete control of that program
— Jalen Milroe Legacy Szn (@18nattyrings) March 26, 2024
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.
You gotta realize none of that type of shit happened while he was here at UF for 2 years and the man didn’t get to spring ball yet and getting dui already it’s crazy optics wise
— Flagship of Florida 🏴☠️😎 (@whynotflorida) March 24, 2024
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.
Kirby Smart has LOST control over his team it’s an embarrassment. This would never happen a legitimate school like Notre Dame
— Tanks Army General (@NDBball3) March 24, 2024
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.”
Need driving lessons at Georgia. This is what happens when you glorify these guys and let them get away with everything
— Kman2837 (@PeterFlagg88) March 24, 2024
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???
This is a Georgia theme song. When will Kirby smart actually teach leadership and lessons to young men ? It’s bigger than football
— Saul Goodman (@CallSaul505575) March 24, 2024