In a recent development, Georgia linebackers Chris Cole and Darren Ikinnagbon found themselves in legal trouble after being arrested on Wednesday night by Athens-Clarke County police. Both players faced misdemeanor charges related to reckless driving, with Cole also charged for exceeding speed limits, and Ikinnagbon cited for following too closely.
The duo didn't spend much time behind bars, posting bond shortly after their bookings. A spokesperson for the Georgia team acknowledged the situation, stating they are in the process of gathering more information but refrained from further comment due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Cole, a standout pass rusher for the Bulldogs last season, made a significant impact on the field with 59 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two pass breakups. His performance was pivotal alongside 2026 NFL Draft prospect CJ Allen.
This incident adds to a growing list of driving-related issues within the Georgia football program, with over 20 associated arrests since January 2023. Notably, Nitro Tuggle was previously arrested for reckless driving at high speeds shortly after a separate incident involving offensive lineman Marques Easley.
The timeline of events paints a concerning picture:
- January 2023 saw a tragic accident involving Chandler LeCroy and Devin Willock, resulting in their deaths.
- February 2023 was marked by multiple arrests, including linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson and offensive lineman Aliou Bah for various driving offenses.
- In March 2023, former defensive lineman Jalen Carter faced charges related to the January fatal crash.
- The trend continued with several arrests throughout 2023 and into 2024, involving players like Samuel M'Pemba and Trevor Etienne.
Georgia's head coach, Kirby Smart, has addressed these recurring issues, emphasizing a case-by-case approach to handling arrests. Smart has been proactive, inviting police officers to engage with the team and offering defensive driving courses to instill better habits.
This pattern of driving-related incidents highlights an ongoing challenge for the Georgia program, as they strive to balance on-field success with off-field discipline.