TLDR: Georgia Bulldogs running back Trevor Etienne might face a suspension from the football program despite reaching a legal agreement to dismiss DUI charges. According to Georgia Athletic Department policy, players guilty of a DUI face a suspension of at least one game, or 10 percent of the season. Reports from ESPN’s Pete Thamel suggest Etienne could be suspended for one game, impacting Georgia’s lineup against Clemson in the season opener. Although Georgia’s head coach Kirby Smart has yet to disclose details about Etienne’s status for the upcoming game, he expressed excitement for players getting an opportunity to showcase their skills. Etienne was arrested on March 24 on multiple charges, including DUI and reckless driving. A plea agreement reached in July cleared the DUI charge in exchange for no contest to reckless driving and guilty pleas for related misdemeanors. These include underage alcohol possession and failure to maintain a lane. As part of his sentence, Etienne received probation, monetary fines, community service requirements, a substance-abuse evaluation, and an alcohol risk program. In the potential absence of Etienne for the Clemson game, sophomore Branson Robinson, returning from injury, might fill the starting role. Etienne initially transferred from Florida where he had significant playing time and success.

Georgia Bulldogs running back Trevor Etienne is facing potential suspension from the team’s lineup due to recent legal troubles. The football program’s policy mandates a minimum suspension of 10 percent of the season, which equates to at least one game, for any player found guilty of DUI offenses. This decision comes despite Etienne securing a plea agreement that resulted in the dismissal of some charges.

Etienne’s legal issues stem from a March 24th arrest in which he was charged with DUI, reckless driving, and three additional misdemeanors. The plea deal reached in July saw the DUI charge dropped while he pled no contest to reckless driving and guilty to underage possession of alcohol, lane maintenance failure, and a window-tint violation. Consequently, Etienne was sentenced to a year of probation, fined $852, and ordered to complete a substance-abuse evaluation, an alcohol risk reduction program, and forty hours of community service.

The potential suspension could see Etienne missing Georgia’s season opener against Clemson. Head coach Kirby Smart has not provided a formal update regarding Etienne’s status for the game, opting instead to express enthusiasm for other players vying for playing time. This suspension possibility places sophomore Branson Robinson, who is returning from a knee injury, in a poised position to potentially start in Etienne’s place.

Etienne, who transferred from the University of Florida during the offseason, had an impressive record with the Gators, amassing 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns over 24 games. His potential absence and Robinson’s opportunity provide dynamics to watch as Georgia prepares to take on Clemson in the highly anticipated season start.