Arrest warrants have been issued for top NFL prospect Jalen Carter in connection with a street race that resulted in the deaths of a University of Georgia teammate and a staff member last month. The Athens-Clarke County Police allege that Carter, a 21-year-old defensive tackle, raced his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against a 2021 Ford Expedition driven by recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy on 15 January.
The crash killed LeCroy, 24, and offensive lineman Devin Willock, 22. Police initially described it as a single-vehicle accident but later evidence indicated racing was involved. According to a police statement, both vehicles were “operating their vehicles in a manner consistent with racing,” including switching lanes, driving in the centre turn lane, and travelling at high speeds.
Toxicology reports showed LeCroy’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.197, more than twice the legal limit in Georgia, and her vehicle was travelling at 104mph before the crash. Carter allegedly left the scene before police arrived and returned hours later, denying racing. He faces misdemeanour charges of reckless driving and racing.
Carter, considered the top prospect in the upcoming NFL draft, was at the NFL combine in Indianapolis when the warrants were issued. He tweeted that he intends to return to Athens to answer the charges and expects to be “fully exonerated.” Georgia coach Kirby Smart expressed deep concern over the charges, stating the team will cooperate with authorities.
