Georgia State University football running back Trevor Etienne appeared in an Athens courtroom Wednesday morning for a hearing regarding his spring arrest in which police say he was driving recklessly after drinking three beers.
The Florida transfer, expected to be one of the SEC's top runners this season, was charged with multiple misdemeanors, including DUI, by Athens-Clarke County Police, but the case was resolved through a plea agreement.
Charges of unsafe DUI and operating while under 21 were dismissed, but Etienne pleaded not guilty to a reckless driving charge in the early morning crash on March 24 and pleaded guilty to underage possession of alcohol, lane keeping violations and window tinting violations.
Etienne, 20, was sentenced to 12 months probation, fined $852 and required to pay $45 a month in supervision fees. He will also be required to complete a substance abuse evaluation, 40 hours of community service, an alcohol risk reduction program and submit to random drug and alcohol testing.
Etienne admitted to having drunk alcohol on the night he was out but refused field sobriety and blood alcohol content tests, and the judge was told there was too little evidence of intoxication to proceed with the charges.
“We're pleased that there was no evidence to support a DUI charge in the first place,” attorney Kim Stevens, who represents Etienne, told the Athens Banner-Herald. “We're pleased that the DA's office looked at it and agreed that it was not DUI.”
Mr Stevens said there was a legal question in this case as to whether the consent which was complied with was read correctly.
“It is likely that the refusal to take the test was not accepted,” he said. “Indeed, Trevor agreed to take a breath test at some point during the stop, but was not given the opportunity to do so.”
Etienne rushed for 1,472 yards and 15 touchdowns over two seasons at Florida and is projected to be the starting running back at Georgia.
Georgia has not announced whether Etienne will be suspended for the season opener against Clemson on Aug. 31 in Atlanta.
It's unclear what effect the dropping of the DUI charge will have on disciplinary action. Coach Kirby Smart is scheduled to speak to reporters on Tuesday at SEC media day in Dallas.
“There are all sorts of things that need to be addressed internally in addition to the university's disciplinary process,” Smart said after Etienne's arrest. “I'm disappointed in his decision, but he's a good kid.”
“I have faith that they're going to follow through on the policy,” said Stevens, a former Georgia football offensive lineman.
Defensive back Javon Bullard was suspended for one game in 2022 following a DUI incident, while wide receiver Marcus Rosemie-JacquesSaint was suspended for one game last season after being arrested for reckless driving and multiple speeding incidents.
Police said Etienne was driving home on South Milledge Avenue in a 50 mph zone in a 2024 RS7 Audi sedan at speeds of at least 80-90 mph after drinking alcohol and allegedly crossed a double yellow line and passed a vehicle.
Municipal Court Judge Marcy Jaures told Etienne in court: “I see you were driving a new Audi. I don't know if your name, image and likeness rights are being violated or through which it is being done. You are a public figure, which I'm sure you discussed with Mr. Stevens, whether you are aware of it or not. Your actions are being seen by people because of your role at the university. I hope that going forward you will make better choices and set a good example for those watching.”
“He's a relatively newcomer to the Athens area, and I don't foresee any issues or trouble in the future,” Stevens told the judge.
