Jalen Carter Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL world was shocked Wednesday by the news that an arrest warrant had been issued for Georgia defensive tackle and potential No.1 draft choice Jalen Carter over the situation that led to the death of his teammate and a Georgia staff member in a car accident in January.

It appears that Carter is alleged to have been drinking while street racing the other car when it got into the accident that killed its passengers.

The Athens Police Department now has issued a warrant for his arrest. Carter, who is at the NFL combine this week, released a statement declaring his innocence.

“This morning I received a telephone call from the Athens, Georgia, police department informing me that two misdemeanor warrants have been issued against me for reckless driving and racing,” he said. “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 misdemeanor charges against me and to 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,” Carter’s statement concluded.

No one knows for certain how this will affect Carter’s draft status, but this latest news, can’t help.

(Sports Illustrated}

About Stacey Mickles

Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.