Georgia Bulldogs star defensive lineman Jalen Carter was booked into jail and quickly released after he was hit with charges linked to a January crash that left a teammate and team staffer dead.
Carter, 21, a defensive tackle and top NFL Draft prospect, was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving and racing Wednesday in the wreck that killed Devin Willock, a Georgia defensive lineman, and recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy.
Athens-Clarke County jail records indicate the reckless driving charge carried a $1,500 bond while the racing charge carried $2,500.
He was released from Athens-Clarke County Jail at 11:49 p.m. Wednesday — just 16 minutes after booking.
“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,” Carter said in a statement. “Numerous 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 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 criminal wrongdoing.”
Police allege Carter, a junior at the university, raced his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against LeCroy hours after the Bulldogs held their championship parade.
LeCroy and Willock were killed in the single-car crash.
Cops determined LeCroy had hit speeds of up to 104 mph before the crash and had a blood alcohol level of .197 — more than twice the legal limit, according to WSBTV.
Carter had been in Indianapolis this week to participate in the NFL Combine before turning himself in to Georgia police.
The Florida native spent the past three seasons with the Bulldogs.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said the charges against Carter, who appeared in 11 games for the Bulldogs in 2022, were “deeply concerning.”
“The charges announced today are deeply concerning, especially as we are still struggling to cope with the devastating loss of two beloved members of our community,” Smart said Wednesday.
“We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities while supporting these families and assessing what we can learn from this horrible tragedy.”