Reckless Driving Incidents Plague Georgia Football Program
ICARO Media Group
In a series of unfortunate events, the Georgia football program faces yet another setback as two players were recently arrested on charges of reckless driving. According to police records, star senior linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Bo Hughley were both apprehended on separate occasions this week.
Mondon Jr.'s arrest took place late on Wednesday night when Athens-Clarke County police charged him with misdemeanor offenses of reckless driving and racing on highways and streets. He was subsequently released on bond early Thursday morning. On the other hand, Hughley was arrested by University of Georgia police on Tuesday evening, facing misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and failure to maintain lane/improper driving on the road. He was later released on bond the same night.
The Georgia athletic department refrained from commenting on the incidents but has stated that they will address the matter during the upcoming SEC media days in Dallas next week. Unfortunately, these recent arrests add to a string of traffic-related incidents within the Georgia football program.
Earlier this year, the program suffered a devastating car crash that claimed the lives of player Devin Willock and team staffer Chandler LeCroy. Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle and former Bulldog, Jalen Carter, was charged with street racing in relation to the fatal crash. He pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges of racing and reckless driving but received no jail time.
In addition to Carter's charges, two Georgia receivers, De'Nylon Morrissette and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, have also faced legal trouble related to driving incidents. Morrissette was detained in May in Oconee County, South Carolina, and charged with DUI, driving too closely, driving too fast for conditions, and violating Class D restrictions. Meanwhile, Rosemy-Jacksaint was arrested for reckless driving and speeding-maximum limits after being clocked at 90 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone and weaving in and out of traffic.
Another player, Trevor Etienne, faced four charges, including DUI and reckless driving, three months after transferring to Georgia from Florida. Coach Kirby Smart expressed that Etienne would face university and team discipline, although he did not specify the consequences.
Last year, during the SEC spring meetings, Coach Smart addressed the issue, emphasizing the importance of educating players on the consequences of their actions. Georgia President Jere Morehead offered his support to Smart, acknowledging his efforts in addressing the issue.
The recent arrests highlight a concerning pattern of reckless behavior within the Georgia football program. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, it is evident that steps need to be taken to address these issues and emphasize the importance of responsible behavior both on and off the field.