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Reckless: Breaking down Georgia football driving charges and UGAAA policy

University of Georgia Athletic Association recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy and former Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock died in a high-speed car crash on Jan. 15, 2023. Following their deaths, the speeding, DUI and reckless driving charges continued for Georgia football.

There were at least 40 driving related incidents by Georgia football players from 2014 to 2024, including speeding, DUI, reckless driving, failure to maintain lanes, driving with a suspended license and driving an unregistered vehicle, according to previous reporting and open records requests filed to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, UGA Police Department, Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia Department of Public Safety.

 

Approximately 76% of these incidents occurred in 2022-2024 alone.

Driving-related incidents involving Georgia football players have drawn attention to safety concerns on Athens roads. In addition to high-speed and reckless driving charges, legal battles are ongoing. Willock’s family filed a lawsuit against the Georgia Board of Regents almost exactly two years after his death, and insurers for UGAAA paid former staffer Victoria Bowles $1.5 million in August 2024 as settlement for a civil lawsuit.

 

While UGAAA policies outline disciplinary measures for student-athletes, the perceived lack of outward clarity surrounding these policies felt among Athens residents and non-athlete students has caused questions to continue to raise over the past two years. At the same time, locals and officials remain concerned about traffic crashes and speeding on key roadways, prompting calls for stronger enforcement and safety measures throughout the Athens area.

On the evening of Sept. 12, 2024, sophomore defensive back Daniel Harris was stopped for driving at a speed of 106 mph on the GA 10 Loop during rainy weather. A speed detection device confirmed he was far exceeding the limit while passing two other vehicles in hazardous weather conditions, the police report said.

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Harris drove also displayed an expired temporary tag, which had been invalid since Aug. 4, 2024. During the traffic stop, it was further discovered that Harris was not wearing his seatbelt properly, his vehicle had an excessively dark window tint and the registration had expired on March 8, 2024.

Harris had five charges: reckless driving, use of safety belts, operation of an unregistered vehicle without a current license plate decal, no proof of insurance and affixing materials that reduce visibility of the windows or windshield.

Harris had five charges: reckless driving, use of safety belts, operation of an unregistered vehicle without a current license plate decal, no proof of insurance and affixing materials that reduce visibility of the windows or windshield.

Earlier that year, junior running back Trevor Etienne was involved in a reckless driving and DUI incident at approximately 1:50 a.m. on March 24, 2024. Etienne’s gray Sedan made an abrupt and “screeching” stop, before continuing at a high rate of speed on South Milledge Avenue, according to the police report. The officer observed Etienne’s vehicle exceeding speeds of 80-90 mph while passing cars across double yellow lines and on curves with limited visibility.

During the traffic stop, Etienne admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the evening, claiming he had consumed only three beers. The officer noted Etienne’s slurred speech, glassy eyes and unsteady stance. When asked to perform field sobriety tests, Etienne refused and instead offered to push his car home. He also declined both breath and blood chemical testing when read the implied consent warning.

Etienne was arrested on four charges: DUI, reckless driving, affixing materials that reduce visibility of the windows or windshield and failure to maintain a lane.

On July 10, 2024 at around 9:52 p.m., ACCPD arrested senior linebacker Smael Mondon for racing and reckless driving, after an officer observed two vehicles speeding eastbound on West Broad Street near The Plaza. The officer reported seeing a 2022 Dodge Charger, driven by Mondon, and a 2021 Porsche Panamera, driven by freshman defensive back Demello Jones, racing at high speeds, the report said.

Mondon reached 75 mph in a 40-mph-zone, before being stopped near 1000 W. Broad St. He denied knowing Jones or engaging in a race, but he was taken into custody after further investigation.

Jones, who also pulled over, admitted to stopping to check on his “teammate” and was issued a citation for racing. During the traffic stop, Mondon was overheard advising Jones not to mention the incident in a group chat. Mondon continued to deny knowing Jones and diverted the conversation when questioned about the remark regarding the group chat, according to the report.

Mondon was taken into custody on two charges: racing on highways or streets and reckless driving.