Kirby Smart reacts after Trevor Etienne DUI arrest

James Parks | Mar 26, 2024

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart during the SEC title game / Todd Kirkland/GettyImages

Georgia football transfer running back Trevor Etienne was arrested and charged with DUI among other charges over the weekend, and Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has now addressed the situation with the player.

"I mean, some of it has to play itself out," Smart told reporters.

"We're still gathering information in terms of reporting things, but some things we know already asking for. Like I said, the university discipline is going to take its course as well as what he has to have consequences for his actions from the team. So both those things will play out as we gather more information."

Etienne was arrested early Sunday morning and faces four charges, including one DUI charge. Georgia football team policy says players who are convicted of DUI receive a suspension of at least one game.

Etienne transferred to Georgia from rival Florida this offseason. He ran for 753 yards and eight touchdowns last season for the Gators while averaging 5.7 yards per carry, and figures to be an important piece of the Bulldogs offense this coming fall.

Smart said that he was disappointed with Etienne's decisions, but noted that has enjoyed the process of getting to know him and his family, and that he will improve going forward.

"I know there's a lot of interest in the Trevor situation from this past weekend," Smart said. "I would first want to reiterate what I said last week about the kid.

"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."

-

More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | Teams

Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Picks