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Earlier this year, Georgia star Jalen Carter made headlines, but for all the wrong reasons.
In a devastating crash, one of Carter's teammates and a recruiting staff member lost their lives. However, as the case was investigated, reports placed Carter at the scene himself.
With the NFL draft right around the corner, Carter's connection to the case might affect his selection. After all, legal issues and pending lawsuits have cost NFL players their careers in the past.
Bodycam footage showed police officers asking the 21-year-old to stop speeding in an earlier incident. This particular footage was taken months before the actual incident in January.
An Athens-Clarke County officer pulled him over, issuing Carter with a citation for speeding, over tinted windows and a windshield violation. Furthermore, the officer said that Carter was driving 89 miles an hour in a 45 zone. The officer has also stopped two of Carter's teammates in the past.
The crash took place on January 15 in downtown Athens. This was while the Bulldogs were celebrating their second straight national championship win. Though Carter reportedly turned himself in, he was released and was present at the NFL Combine.
His arraignment hearing will be on April 18.
Could Jalen Carter's arrest derail his 2023 NFL draft projection?
Despite the ongoing issue, Jalen Carter was present for NFL Combine drills on Friday. Irrespective of the situation and the looming hearing, Carter remains eligible for the 2023 NFL draft.
The incident and legal proceedings might not affect his place in the NFL draft at all. Even Carter has spoken about his selection, and seems confident about being fully exonerated.
"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," he wrote in his statement.
"It is my intention to return to Athens to answer the misdemeanor 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 the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing."
With reports placing more than one vehicle at the scene of the crash, we will have to wait for the hearing and further investigation (if any) for the NFL's decision.
