Jalen Carter update: Police considered more serious charges in Georgia football car crash
Georgia football star Jalen Carter won't face jail time after entering a plea deal on charges relating to the January car accident that killed two people.
But that wasn't originally what authorities had in mind for the former Bulldogs defensive tackle, according to a report from Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Police considered heavier charges against Carter after documents revealed evidence of an alleged race between Carter and a Georgia football staffer after the national championship celebration, according to that report.
Had the authorities brought more serious charges against Carter, he could have possibly faced a long prison sentence.
What was found in Jalen Carter case
Investigators determined that Carter was racing the other car by using surveillance video and cell phone records, including location data, despite Carter denying that he was racing.
Police discovered visual evidence including, "scrapes on the roof of Carter's car, which they said were consistent with hitting power lines that fell as the [Ford] Expedition crashed," the AJC report notes.
An officer in the case said they believed the marks on the roof of Carter's car "indicated to me that he was almost right next to the other vehicle when it crashed," according to the report.
But after speaking with him, police felt comfortable letting Carter go home. He spoke with authorities again the following month by telephone and acknowledged driving next to the other car.
According to reports, Carter pleaded no contest to reckless driving charges and will serve 12 months of probation, pay a $1,000 fine, and serve 80 hours of community service. He will not serve any jail time.
Jalen Carter's future
Carter has been considered a consensus first-round NFL Draft pick since his declaration to turn professional, with many mock drafts projecting he would go as the No. 1 overall selection.
But his draft stock took a hit after police issued a warrant for his arrest relating to the fatal car accident in January that killed Georgia football player Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy.
Carter left the NFL Combine and returned to Georgia, where he was booked and released, and he responded to the charges saying he believes he will be completely exonerated.
(AJC)
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