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Kim T. Stephens, a lawyer for highly-touted University of Georgia Bulldogs draft prospect Jalen Carter, released an official statement regarding the recent warrant for his arrest.
According to Stephens’ statement, Carter is pleading no contest to misdemeanor traffic violations and that 21-year-old actions did not cause the accident that took the life of former teammate Chandler LeCroy.
Stephens also says that Carter was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and did not leave the scene without permission.
“Just as he responded swiftly to the misdemeanor arrest warrants being issued against him, Jalen Carter resolved all charges against him this morning by entering no contest please to two misdemeanor traffic violations, specifically for reckless driving and racing, and was sentenced to serve 12 months on probations, pay a $1,000 fine, perform 80 hours of community service, and complete a state-approved defensive driving course,” the statement reads in part.
You can read the full statement from Carter’s attorney below:
Statement from Jalen Carter’s attorney Kim T. Stephens on Carter pleading no contest to misdemeanor traffic violations. Stephens states Carter’s actions did not cause the fatal accident, notes he didn’t leave the scene without being told he could and wasn’t under the influence. pic.twitter.com/TufKljwFLg
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 16, 2023
Previous reports had indicated that Carter, who was previously projected as being a Top 10 pick in this spring’s NFL Draft, “was racing his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by the recruiting staffer, 24-year-old Chandler LeCroy, which led to the Jan. 15 wreck.”
Back in early March, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department charged Carter — who won two National Titles during his time playing for the University of Georgia — with reckless driving and racing.
Prior to his alleged involvement in this incident, Carter was not only projected to be a first-round pick but was considered by some to be a Top 5 prospect. He certainly hasn’t helped his value in recent weeks and months, however, as he most recently showed up at the NFL Combine overweight and out-of-shape, resulting in him only participating in positional drills.
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