Defensive tackle Jalen Carter is considered a possible top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but US authorities have now issued a warrant for the 21-year-old’s arrest following a deadly street race. In a statement, Carter denied the charges.

Actually, Jalen Carter was considered by US insiders to be a candidate for the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft at the end of April. But now a warrant has been issued for the arrest of the defensive tackle, who was still a college champion with the Georgia Bulldogs in January.

According to the Athens Clark County Police Department, Carter is accused of being involved in an accident that killed offensive lineman Devin Willock and teammate Chandler LeCroy on January 15, 2023, by reckless driving and speeding.

Georgia Bulldogs: road race after championship celebration ends fatally

At about 2:30 a.m., just hours after the Bulldogs’ championship celebration, Carter in a Jeep and LeCroy in an SUV, which also contained Willock, changed lanes several times and drove into the oncoming lane at speeds significantly too fast, according to police, while racing on Athens streets.

LeCroy was travelling at speeds of almost 170 km/h before her fatal accident. LeCroy was posthumously measured to have an alcohol level of almost two parts per thousand. The Carter case has now been handed over by the police to the Attorney General’s Office.

Statement by Jalen Carter: Innocence “beyond question “

In a statement released on Twitter, Jalen Carter defends himself against the allegations. The statement read:

“This morning I received a call from the Athens Georgia Police Department informing me that a warrant has been issued for my arrest for the two offences of reckless driving and speeding. Various media reports that morning also spread inaccurate information surrounding the tragic events of January 15, 2023. I intend to return to Athens to answer the allegations and clarify the full truth. There is no question in my mind that after all the facts are presented, I will be exonerated of the allegations of criminal activity. “

Did Jalen Carter mislead police?

Shortly after the accident, Carter had told police he was “at least a mile” from the scene. As it now turns out, that statement was not true.

Georgia Head Coach Kirby Smart called the allegations made against Carter “deeply concerning, especially as we are still grieving the painful loss of two members of our community.”

Smart continued, “We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities, support the families and learn lessons from this terrible tragedy. “

Jalen Carter not at NFL Scouting Combine

Jalen Carter most recently announced he would not participate in drills and workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine but instead would only meet to talk with interested NFL teams. Carter cancelled a media session planned for Wednesday at short notice after the arrest warrant became known.