University of Georgia running back Trevor Etienne is set to face disciplinary action from the school after being arrested for driving under the influence. The incident occurred in Athens, Clarke County, Georgia, in the early morning hours of Sunday.
According to arrest records from the Athens-Clarke County Police, 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 charges are all misdemeanors.
Police reports indicate that Etienne was driving his 2024 Audi RS7 sedan at a speed of 80-90 mph in a 50-mph zone. Upon being pulled over, he displayed signs of impairment, including swaying. Etienne admitted to consuming three beers earlier in the night but refused to undergo a sobriety test. He handed over his car key when asked for identification. He was subsequently released on $1,883 bail.
University of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart addressed the situation during a media availability, acknowledging that Etienne will likely face consequences for his actions. Under school policy, student-athletes convicted of DUI can expect to lose at least 10 percent of their season’s games.
Smart emphasized that Etienne is a bright and coachable individual who made a mistake. He expressed hope that the incident would serve as a teaching moment for the young player and that he would learn from it.
The university will also impose its own disciplinary measures on Etienne, as per in-house rules for football players. The details of these consequences are yet to be determined.
Etienne, who recently transferred from the University of Florida, had been competing for the lead running back role with the Bulldogs. During his time with the Gators, he amassed 1,472 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns over two seasons.
It is worth noting that this incident adds to a series of driving-related incidents and arrests that have plagued the University of Georgia football program in recent years. Notably, on January 15, 2023, offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy were killed in a car race involving Eagles’ first-round draft pick Jalen Carter. Victoria Bowles, a recruiting staffer who was in the backseat of the car driven by LeCroy, was seriously injured and has since filed a lawsuit seeking damages.
