UGA star Jalen Carter responds to his charges connected to crash that killed player, staffer

ATHENS, Ga. — Jalen Carter released a statement on social media Wednesday hours after police announced charges against him for his alleged role in a crash that killed a University of Georgia teammate and football staff recruiter.

Police have charged Carter with reckless driving and racing in connection to a Jan. 15 crash that killed teammate Devin Willock and football recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy, according to the arrest warrants.

Carter, who is a projected top pick in the NFL Draft, is currently in Indianapolis for the NFL scouting combine. Carter says he is returning to Athens to speak with police and he “has no question” he will be exonerated.

“This morning I received a telephone call from the Athens Georgia police department informing me that two misdemeanor warrants have been issued against me for reckless driving and racing. Numerous media reports also have circulated this morning containing inaccurate information concerning the tragic events of January 15, 2023. It is my intention to return to Athens to answer the misdemeanor charges against me and to make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented. There is no question in my mind that when all of the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.”

We’ll have Live Team 2 coverage about the latest developments into the crash investigation on starting on Channel 2 Action News at 4:00 p.m.

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The charges against Carter stem from the early morning of Jan. 15 just hours after UGA celebrated their second consecutive championship with a parade in Athens.

Recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy, 24, and offensive lineman Devin Willock, 20, were both killed when LeCroy crashed a SUV she was driving on Barnett Shoals Road around 2:45 a.m.

Police determined that racing, reckless driving, speed and alcohol impairment contributed to the crash. They also alleged that Carter was racing against LeCroy.

“The evidence demonstrated that both vehicles switched between lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes of travel, overtook other motorists, and drove at high rates of speed, in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other,” police said.

Kirby Smart released a statement Wednesday morning about the new police report.

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