Top NFL Prospect Jalen Carter Charged For Alleged Role In Fatal Street Race

Topline

Authorities charged former University of Georgia football star Jalen Carter with two misdemeanors Wednesday for allegedly taking part in a street race that resulted in the January deaths of Devin Willock, another Georgia football player, and Chandler LeCroy, a team employee, putting Carter’s status ahead of next month’s NFL draft in question, though Carter denies he broke the law.

Key Facts

Local police issued a warrant for Carter’s arrest on counts of reckless driving and racing, misdemeanor crimes in the state of Georgia that each carry potential fines of up to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail.

Vehicles operated by Carter and LeCroy at 2:30 a.m. on January 15 drove at high speeds and traveled against traffic near downtown Athens, with racing, reckless driving, speed and LeCroy’s alcohol intoxication contributing to her and her passenger Willock’s deaths, police said.

The arrest warrant came shortly after the Atlanta Journal-Constitution published an article revealing Carter was at the scene of the accident and just minutes before Carter was slated to speak to the media at the NFL scouting combine, apparently not showing up for the scheduled availability.

In a statement, Carter said he plans to turn himself in “to make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented,” adding he’s certain he’ll be “fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing” stemming from the “tragic” accident.

Carter’s agents Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha did not respond to Forbes’ request for comment.

Key Background

An All-American defensive lineman, many experts projected Carter as the first pick in next month’s draft. The fatal crash followed a parade in Athens celebrating Georgia’s second consecutive College Football Playoff championship. Like Carter, the team’s highest profile star on defense, Georgia’s starting quarterback Stetson Bennett IV was arrested in January. Dallas police booked Bennett on a misdemeanor public intoxication charge for allegedly banging on strangers’ doors.

What To Watch For

How Carter’s arrest will impact his draft position. NFL rookie contracts operate on a fixed scale, with the top pick earning $41 million before the wage scale declines dramatically for lower picks.

Further Reading

UGA star Jalen Carter present at scene of fatal crash (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)