Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs have made their decision on running back Trevor Etienne vs. the Clemson Tigers.
Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reports that the Bulldogs are "expected to sit' their starting running back as a disciplinary action following his DUI arrest in March.
In addition to Etienne, the Bulldogs will also be without No. 2 running back Roderick Robinson II. That means sophomore, Branson Robinson, freshman Nate Frazier, and junior Cash Jones will take care of the business in the backfield .
Etienne's DUI Charges were Dropped
Etienne was arrested on four misdemeanor charges earlier this spring, including driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane/improper driving on road, and affixing materials that reduce the visibility of windows/windshield.
But following a hearing in July , Eitenne's DUI charges were dropped while he pled no contest to a reckless driving charge.
Per Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald. Etienne admitted to drinking alcohol earlier on the night he was arrested, but refused field sobriety and blood alcohol tests, which ultimately led to the judge finding minimal evidence of intoxication to move forward with that charge.
As a result, Etienne had to do 40 hours of community service, a risk reduction program, a substance abuse evaluation, be on probation for 12 months, and pay an $852 fine as well as a $45 per month supervision fee. He will also be subject to random alcohol and drug screenings throughout the season.
Here's what Coach Smart had to say two days after his arrest:
"Before we get to football, there's a lot of interest around the Trevor Etienne situation, 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.
“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.”
Smart added that in addition to the university's discipline process, Etienne would face "in-house" discipline, such as today's game suspension.
"Disappointed in his decision-making, but he is a good kid," Smart said.
Related: Mac's CFB pick of the week: Georgia Bulldogs kick off 2024 season undefeated
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