Georgia football has suspended running back Trevor Etienne for their Week 1 game against Clemson, according to reports. Etienne will sit out the season opener after being arrested this offseason on charges of DUI and reckless driving. While the DUI charge was later dismissed as part of a plea agreement, the reckless driving charge remains.
Etienne’s suspension comes as a result of Georgia’s policy, which mandates a minimum one-game suspension for any player dealing with a DUI charge, which typically represents at least 10% of the regular season.
Etienne was arrested on March 24 for DUI, reckless driving, and three additional misdemeanors. In a plea deal reached in July, the DUI charge was dropped, and Etienne pled no contest to reckless driving and guilty to other charges, including underage alcohol possession, failure to maintain lane, and a window-tint violation. As part of his sentence, he received 12 months of probation, was fined $852, and was ordered to complete community service, a substance abuse evaluation, and an alcohol risk reduction program.
With Etienne suspended, Georgia is expected to rely on sophomore running back Branson Robinson, who missed the previous season due to an injury. Cash Jones, who averaged 7.3 yards per carry last season, could also see additional action.
Etienne, who transferred to Georgia from Florida this offseason, previously rushed for 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns in 24 games with the Gators.