TWIGGS COUNTY, GA — A NFL linebacker faced charges after being accused of driving nearly double the speed limit in a 70 mph zone in Georgia, according to authorities and media reports.
A Lamborghini traveling 136 mph was stopped while heading eastbound on I-16, the Twiggs County Sheriff's Office said.
Though authorities did not identify the driver, the NFL on Thursday identified him as Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith. He also is a former Georgia Bulldog.
Authorities said he pulled over without incident and was cooperative.
Rather than requesting a tow truck for the "very expensive Italian 'supercar nap," authorities said Smith opted to follow deputies to the sheriff's department. There, he was cited, posted bond and was released, authorities said.
"No drama. No injuries. Just a very fast car learning a very expensive lesson," authorities said in a news release.
The 25-year-old Savannah native faced charges of speeding and reckless driving, the NFL reported.
A court date for Smith has been set for July 15, though authorities said there will be no need for him to appear if the fines are paid, the Associated Press reported Friday.
The stop was part of the department's Click It or Ticket campaign, which began on Monday and runs through May 31.
"Let this serve as a friendly reminder to everyone—whether you’re in a daily driver or something that sounds like a spaceship on wheels: Slow down. Buckle up. Stay off the phone. Never drive impaired. Because at the end of the day, horsepower doesn’t beat responsibility—and gravity always wins. And remember…If you want to fly, leave that part to the airplanes," authorities said in the release.
The Eagles selected Smith 30th in the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He'll stay with the team through 2027 after the Eagles exercised a fifth-year option, according to the league.
Smith is the latest former or current Georgia player to be arrested for driving offenses. His Eagles teammate, Jalen Carter, was given 12 months’ probation and a $1,000 fine in 2023 after pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing related to a crash that killed Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy.
A second football player and a second university employee were injured in the accident.
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The Associated Press contributed reporting and writing.
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