Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter pleaded no contest on Thursday, following his misdemeanour charges of reckless driving and racing that led to the death of his team-mate.
That's according to his attorney Kim Stephens, who confirmed the news with ESPN following the hearing on Thursday. The NFL draft hopeful was sentenced to 12 months of probation, handed a $1,000 (£827) fine and must complete 80 hours of community service.
Carter will also attend a state-approved defensive driving course, although Stephens is adamant that Carter did not cause a car wreck on January 15. The defensive tackle was at the scene of a fatal crash on January 15, which led to the death of Georgia football staff member Chandler LeCroy and team-mate Devin Willock.
"We are happy that we were able to work with the solicitor general's office to reach a resolution that was fair and just based on the evidence in this case," Stephens said after the case. "Mr. Carter continues to grieve for the loss of his friends and continues to pray for their families, as well as for the continued healing for injured friends."
With the matter being resolved, Stephens said that the state will not be able to raise additional charges against Carter and that he is free to work through his probation, and continue with his football career. A warrant for Carter's arrest was filed during the NFL combine, as it was claimed that the draft prospect was driving recklessly in a racing manner at the time of the crash.
Police alleged that LeCroy was driving a 2021 Ford Expedition that was racing Carter's 2021 Jeep Trackhawk, before losing control and crashing. But Stephens told ESPN that Carter was not at fault, otherwise the outcome would have been a lot different.
"If the investigation had determined otherwise, Mr. Carter would have been charged with the far more serious offenses of vehicular homicide and serious injury by vehicle under Georgia law, both felony offenses, and would have faced a lengthy prison sentence," Stephens said in a statement.
Following his arrest warrant, Carter released a statement of his own pledging to clear his name by telling the complete truth to the authorities. "I received a telephone call from the Athens Georgia Police Department informing me that two misdemeanour warrants have been issued against me for reckless driving and racing," his statement read.
"Numerous media reports also have circulated this morning containing inaccurate information concerning the tragic events of January 15, 2023. It is my intention to return to Athens to answer the misdemeanour charges against me and 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."
