01 March 2023 , 19:21
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NFL Draft hopeful Jalen Carter has insisted he will be exonerated of any wrongdoing after a warrant was issued for his arrest for reckless driving and racing in connection to a fatal car crash that killed his team-mate.
Back in January, Georgia university confirmed both Devin Willock and staff member Chandler LeCroy were killed in the crash in Athens. Willock was a redshirt sophomore who hailed from New Milford, New Jersey and started two games on the offensive line for the Bulldogs as they won the College Football Playoff this season.
It was confirmed Willock died at the scene at 20 years of age while LeCroy, who was driving, was transported to a local hospital by ambulance but died as a result of her injuries. The ongoing investigation into the January 15 crash has led the Athens-Clarke County Police Department to issue arrest warrants for Carter as he attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Carter is believed by many to be the best defensive player in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft and was touted to be in line to be selected first overall. He has since released a statement insisting he is innocent and will work to clear his name with authorities.
His statement read: “This morning I received a telephone call from the Athens Georgia Police Department informing me that two misdemeanour warrants have been issued against me for reckless driving and racing. Numerous media reports have also circulated this morning containing inaccurate information concerning the tragic events of January 15 2023.
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“It is my intention to return to Athens to answer the misdemeanour 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.”
Jalen Carter is considered by many to be the top defensive player in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft (Ashley Landis/AP/REX/Shutterstock)According to the official police report, LeCroy and Carter were driving their vehicles in ‘a matter consistent with racing’ shortly after leaving downtown Athens in the early hours of Sunday morning. The investigation allegedly discovered both vehicles switches between lanes, drove in the centre turn lane, drove in opposite lanes of travel, overtook other motorists and drove at high speeds in what is deemed to be an attempt to outdistance one another.
Investigators have since determined that alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving and speed were the significant contributing factors to the crash. The official police report claims the case has now been given to the Solicitor General’s Office.
The fatal crash came hours after the team celebrated winning back-to-back national championships with a parade and ceremony at Sanford Stadium. Georgia had defeated TCU 65-7 in the College Football Playoff National Championship in Los Angeles.