Despite his decision not to work out at the NFL Scouting Combine, we still figured Jalen Carter to create plenty of headlines as the potential top overall pick in the NFL Draft, just not in this manner.
The NFL Scouting Combine was filled with excitement and anticipation for many of the top prospects, but for Jalen Carter, the experience took a shocking turn. Just moments before he was scheduled to meet with the media at the podium, news broke of his involvement in a fatal car accident.
This news has the potential to greatly impact Carter's draft stock and the trajectory of his football career. Carter, who is considered one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, is facing arrest warrants for reckless driving and racing charges related to a fatal car crash that occurred on Jan. 15 in Athens, Georgia. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department has been investigating the incident and released a statement on Wednesday detailing the charges against Carter.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Athens-Clarke County Police Department has secured arrest warrants on Carter, stemming from his involvement in a fatal car accident on January 15th, which resulted in the death of Georgia football staffer Chandler LeCroy and teammate Devin Willock.
According to the police investigation, Carter and Chandler LeCroy, a Georgia recruiting analyst, were both driving in a manner consistent with racing after leaving downtown Athens at around 2:30 a.m. ET. They were switching lanes, driving in the center turn lane, and at high rates of speed.
At 2:45 a.m. ET, LeCroy's 2021 Ford Expedition left the roadway, striking two power poles and several trees. LeCroy and Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock died as a result of the crash, and others in LeCroy's car were injured.
"The investigation found that Chandler LeCroy, driver of the 2021 Ford Expedition, and Jalen Carter, driver of a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk, were operating their vehicles in a manner consistent with racing shortly after leaving the downtown Athens area at about 2:30 a.m.
The evidence demonstrated that both vehicles switched between lanes, drove in the center turn lane and in opposite lanes of travel, overtaking other motorists, and driving at high rates of speed.
At 2:45 a.m. ET, the 2021 Ford Expedition that LeCroy was driving left the roadway, striking two power poles and several trees, police said.
LeCroy, 24, and Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock, 20, both died as a result of the crash. Others in LeCroy's car, including Georgia offensive lineman Warren McClendon, were injured. Police said in a Wednesday press release that LeCroy's vehicle was traveling at approximately 104 mph shortly before the crash.
A toxicology report said that LeCroy's blood alcohol concentration was .197 at the time of the incident. Investigators determined that alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving, and speed were significant contributing factors to the crash. Carter, who declared for the NFL draft on Jan. 10, was not present for his scheduled press conference on Wednesday morning at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
NFL senior vice president of football and international communications Michael Signora told media assembled at Carter 's assigned podium that Carter would not be speaking at the event on Wednesday. Later Wednesday, Carter released a statement saying that he intended to return to Athens "to answer the misdemeanor charges against me and to make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented." "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. "Numerous media reports also have circulated this morning concerning the tragic events of Jan. 15, 2023." Carter continued: "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."
The news of the arrest warrants secured for Carter came hours after a report published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday that Carter was present at the scene of the crash, left the scene before officers arrived and then gave "shifting accounts of the wreck as an Athens police officer questioned him about whether he had been racing the car that crashed." "The charges announced today are deeply concerning," University of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said in a statement on Wednesday, "especially as we are still struggling to cope with the devastating loss of two beloved members of our community. "We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities while supporting these families and assessing what we can learn from this horrible tragedy."
A first-team All-American and All-SEC player for the #Bulldogs in 2022, Carter played in 13 games with nine starts as a junior for the eventual national champions. He currently is the No. 1 player on Ric Seritilla’s NFLDB list of this year's top 100 prospects.
This is just shattering news that is sure to make NFL teams queasy about making Carter a top pick come April, how far he slides remains to be seen. This would not be the first such instance surrounding Carter and his need for speed habits. He was ticketed back in September for driving 89 mph in a 45 mph zone.
Without a doubt, this incident is sure to cost Carter MILLIONS of dollars in his wallet. Be sure to check back for more updates on Carter and all the buzz from inside Lucas Oil Stadium!
This incident involving Jalen Carter is a sobering reminder of the dangers that come with reckless driving. It is a tragedy that resulted in the loss of a life and will undoubtedly have significant consequences for Carter's future. As more details emerge, it will be interesting to see how this affects his draft stock and the decisions made by NFL teams. Regardless of the outcome, it is a stark reminder to all of us to prioritize safety and responsible behavior, both on and off the field.
With the recent crash and burn death accident of former Las Vegas Raiders wideout Henry Ruggs still fresh on the minds of NFL decision-makers, Carter’s camp will be in full PR damage control in an attempt to ensure that he is still selected in the first round.
I’m bummed about the news, but appreciate you for reading.
Your Draftnik
Draftnick Ric
*Since 2002, NFL Draft Bible has been bringing you the names you need to know first! Follow us NFLDraftBible for exclusive year-round coverage of the NFL Draft. Secure your copy of the Official 2023 NFL Draft Bible here. Moments before Jalen Carter was scheduled to meet with assembled media at the NFL Scouting Combine, news broke about his involvement in a fatal car accident, canceling his podium interview.
Mike and Ric talk Jalen Carter losing millions of dollars