ATHENS — Georgia football player Trevor Etienne had DUI charges dismissed against him Wednesday during a hearing in Athens-Clarke County Municipal Court.
The transfer running back from Florida was charged with DUI less safe and DUI under 21 on March 24 when police said he was traveling 80-90 miles per hour in a 50-mph zone. In a plea agreement struck Wednesday, Etienne had the DUI charges dropped, pleaded no contest to a reckless-driving charge and guilty to charges of underage possession of alcohol, failure to maintain lane and a window-tint violation.
Etienne received 12 months of probation. He also was fined $852 and a $45 per month supervision fee. He has to complete a substance-abuse evaluation, 40 hours of community service and an alcohol risk reduction program. He also is subject to random drug and alcohol screenings.
“I’m pleased that the state recognized that the evidence in the case did not support a DUI, even for a person under 21, and agreed to dismiss the DUI charges,” Etienne’s attorney Kim Stephens told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Entering a no-contest plea to reckless driving and admitting to a window-tint violation and failure to maintain lane is a just and fair resolution to Mr. Etienne’s case.”
Etienne, who turned 20 years old Tuesday, was pulled over at 1:50 a.m. March 24 in a 2024 Audi RS7 for allegedly speeding and passing a car on a double-yellow line, according to police. Etienne declined to consent to a field sobriety test, but according to the arresting officer, had slurred speech, glossy eyes and was swaying “back and forth while standing on flat ground.”
Etienne was arrested and jailed overnight by Athens-Clarke County Police. He was released on $1,838 in bonds later that morning.
The Bulldogs and coach Kirby Smart have not said said Etienne’s offenses will result in suspensions from any games this season. UGA Athletic Association policy dictates that athletes convicted of DUI serve a suspension of at least one game. Even though the DUI charges were dismissed, last year Georgia wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint served a one-game suspension after pleading guilty to a reckless driving charge. The Bulldogs’ season-opening game this year is against Clemson on Aug. 31 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Speeding and reckless driving have been an issue within the Georgia football program since offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy died in high-speed, alcohol-related crash Jan. 15, 2023. Since then, there have been at least 17 incidents in which a Georgia player has been arrested either reckless driving or driving under the influence charges. A reckless driving case against freshman Sacovie White is currently pending in the Athens-Clarke County court system.
Municipal Court Judge Marcy Jolles admonished Etienne in court, according to the Athens Banner-Herald, which attended the hearing.
“I see you were driving a very new Audi vehicle,” Jolles said. “I don’t know if you have a name, image and likeness situation or if that’s being done through that. I’m sure you and Mr. Stephens have discussed that you are a public figure, whether you realize that or not. What you do, people see because of your role at the university. I would hope that you make better choices in the future to make a better example for those who are watching.”
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