Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart refused to comment on running back Trevor Etienne's suspension earlier this week, however, the transfer from Florida is expected to make his debut on Saturday afternoon against Tennessee Tech, sources tell A to Z Sports.
Etienne sat out last week in the team's 34-3 win over the Clemson Tigers as part of a disciplinary action following his DUI arrest in March.
It will be the first time since the spring game that fans get a good look at the Bulldogs' new RB1.
Before coming to Georgia, Etienne appeared in 24 games for the Gators, logging 249 carries for 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also reeled in 30 receptions for 238 yards and another touchdown.
Etienne's DUI Charges were Dropped in July
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 the 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 is also 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 Week 2 Pick: Georgia Bulldogs butcher Tennessee Tech at Sanford Stadium
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