Trevor Etienne, a prominent running back for the Georgia Bulldogs, found himself in legal trouble early Sunday morning after being arrested on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless driving.
According to the Athens-Clarke County Jail log, Etienne, the Bulldogs’ projected starting running back, was detained by Athens-Clarke County Police during the early hours of Sunday morning.
The charges against him also include failure to maintain lane/improper and affixing materials that reduce the visibility of the windshield.
Georgia RB Trevor Etienne was arrested at 5:27 a.m. and charged with DUI, reckless driving, affixing materials that reduce visibility of windows/windshield, failure to maintain lane/improper driving on the road. He has posted $1,883 bond according to Athens-Clarke County records
— Barrett Sallee 🇺🇸 (@BarrettSallee) March 24, 2024
Etienne was booked into the county jail at 4:35 a.m. and subsequently released on bonds totaling $1,838 at 5:27 a.m.
The full police report detailing the circumstances surrounding the arrest has been requested but is not yet available to the public.
UGA athletics spokesperson Steven Drummond stated, “We are aware of the charges and are currently in the process of gathering additional information. This is a pending legal matter, and we will not have further comment at this time.”
This development comes as a significant setback for the Bulldogs, as Etienne was expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming season.
The rising junior, who transferred from Florida last December, was slated to be Georgia’s starting running back, having demonstrated impressive performance during spring practices.
Etienne’s on-field prowess was underscored by his track record, having amassed 2,421 total yards and 15 touchdowns during his tenure with the Gators.
The arrest not only jeopardizes Etienne’s immediate future but also casts uncertainty over Georgia’s running back position.
As per UGA Athletic Association policy, student-athletes convicted of DUI are subject to a suspension of at least one game. This would potentially impact Etienne’s availability for Georgia’s season-opening matchup against Clemson on August 31 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
In light of Etienne’s legal troubles, the Bulldogs may turn to alternatives in their running back corps, likely relying on sophomores Roderick Robinson and Andrew Paul, along with walk-on Cash Jones, to fill the void left by Etienne’s absence, at least for the initial game of the season.
Head Coach Smart, who had previously praised Etienne’s performance and work ethic, has yet to comment on the situation, but this incident undoubtedly alters the trajectory of Georgia’s football program as they navigate the repercussions of their star player’s arrest.
