Jalen Carter Says He Will Be Cleared Of Wrongdoing In Fatal Crash

ATHENS, GA — Jalen Carter, the Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle, proclaimed his innocence Wednesday afternoon after news broke of charges against him in connection with the Jan. 15 crash that killed a University of Georgia recruiting analyst and a UGA football player near Barnett Shoals Road.

Univerisity of Georgia football player Devin Willock and UGA recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy died in the crash that injured two other members of the UGA football program.

Carter, 21, is being charged on suspicion of reckless driving and racing, Athens-Clarke County Police said Wednesday morning. Authorities told Patch Carter is making arrangements to turn himself in to police.

Carter released a statement on Twitter, expressing confidence that he would be cleared of any wrongdoing.

"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 in the statement.

"Numerous media reports also have circulated this morning containing inaccurate information concerning the tragic events of Jan. 15, 2023. 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 of the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing."

Police said LeCroy was driving a 2021 Ford Expedition while Carter was driving a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk when the two were racing around 2:30 a.m.

Both cars were switching lanes, driving in the center turn lane and drove in opposite lanes while overtaking other cars and driving fast to speed past one another, police said.

The Expedition was going at 104 mph before crashing, police said.

A toxicology report showed LeCroy's blood alcohol concentration was .197 at the time of the crash, police said.

Alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving and speed were contributing factors in the crash, police said.

In a statement UGA sent to Patch, Head Football Coach Kirby Smart called the charges "deeply concerning."

“The charges announced today are deeply concerning, especially as we are still struggling to cope with the devastating loss of two beloved members of our community," he said. “We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities while supporting these families and assessing what we can learn from this horrible tragedy.”

The crash occurred hours after a parade to celebrate the Bulldogs' victory in the College Football Playoff National Championship over Texas Christian University.

Carter was slated to be the top pick for the 2023 NFL Draft, 11Alive reported. He was scheduled to appear at a media conference during the draft combine Wednesday morning, the outlet reported.

The case is being turned over to the Solicitor General's Office.