Concerning Details Emerging In Trevor Etienne Arrest: Kirby Smart Responds

Georgia running back Trevor Etienne was arrested on Sunday morning and charged with four misdemeanors — DUI, reckless driving, affixing materials that reduce visibility of windows/windshield and failure to maintain lane/improper driving on the road. Details of the arrest were announced on Tuesday by the Athens-Clarke County Police, and they are very concerning.

Georgia running back Trevor Etienne (1) runs a drill during spring practice in Athens, Ga., on Thursday, March 14, 2024. USA TODAY

According to 247Sports, Etienne was driving away from downtown Athens when he locked up the brakes of his gray sedan. An officer made a U-turn and observed the vehicle pass another vehicle driving in the same direction across the double-yellow line on a blind curve. The report states that the officer turned on his lights and reached speeds up to "80 or 90" miles per hour, but Etienne’s vehicle was still pulling away.

Etienne’s vehicle continued to weave in an out of traffic, at times crossing the double-yellow lines before coming to a stop. He admitted to having drinks downtown but refused a field sobriety test.

"Based on Etienne’s driving behavior, his physical demeanor, and statements in which he admitted to drinking three beers downtown, I arrested him for DUI-Alcohol-Less safe and three other charges," the officer wrote in his report (via 247Sports). "Etienne refused both breath and blood chemical tests when read implied consent."

Kirby Smart Addresses The Trevor Etienne Arrest

Coach Kirby Smart was asked about the incident in his press availability on Tuesday.

"I would first want to reiterate what I said last week about the kid," Smart said. "I've really enjoyed getting to know him. I think he's a great kid, great person. We've gotten to know his family. He enjoys being coached. He's a bright kid and we push him hard out there. He really loves the competition, but as we also know, sometimes kids don't make the best decisions. The older you get, sometimes the tougher the consequences are for your mistakes. He's not going to let this mistake define him. He's embarrassed, upset and knows he made a mistake. It's a teaching moment, and we hope he gets better from it. In addition to our University discipline process, we've got all the stuff we deal with in-house, and with those same details, he'll be under the same rules we have in-house as well as the university discipline. Disappointed in his decision making, but he is a good kid."

If he is suspended for the opener, he would be a massive loss for a Bulldogs team that is on a quest to establish a dynasty by winning three national championships in four seasons. They will travel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 31 to take on Clemson in the Aflac Kickoff Game in what will likely be a battle between two Top 25 teams.

Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson (10) tackles Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne (7) during the third quarter of an NCAA Football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 43-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Etienne totaled 1,472 yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, 238 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown and 645 yards on kickoff returns in two seasons with the Gators. He is set to lead a Georgia running back room that will also include Branson Robinson — who will be coming off of a leg injury suffered in the middle of last season.

The 5-foot-9, 205-pounder from Jennings, Louisiana, was ranked No. 19 overall and No. 2 among running backs in the On3 transfer portal rankings. He is the brother of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne.