Nolan Smith Jr. Arrested for Reckless Driving
In a concerning development, another individual associated with the Georgia football program has been apprehended for reckless behavior on the roadway.
Nolan Smith Jr., an Eagles linebacker who was part of the Bulldogs from 2019 to 2022, was taken into custody last Friday in Georgia, facing allegations of speeding and reckless driving. The Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the details to ESPN.
According to a memo from the sheriff’s office communicated to ESPN, Smith was recorded driving at 135 mph in a designated zone on the interstate around 10:41 p.m. ET.
Following his arrest, Smith managed to post bail and was released shortly thereafter, as indicated in the report. A court date for him has been set, I believe.
It was initially reported by the Georgia State Gazette.
Smith, now 25, was a first-round draft pick by the Eagles in the 2023 NFL Draft, which is set to kick off next Tuesday.
He joins an Eagles defense alongside former Bulldogs stars Nakobe Dean, Jaylen Carter, and Jordan Davis.
In the regular season, Smith tallied 6.5 sacks and added four more in the playoffs during 2024, contributing to the Eagles’ second Super Bowl victory.
Over three seasons, he’s accumulated a total of 10.5 sacks, including three in just 12 games last season.
The Georgia football program, under the leadership of head coach Kirby Smart, has faced challenges with players displaying risky behavior behind the wheel for about a decade now.
- On May 8, 19-year-old Ja Marley Riddle was arrested on felony possession charges and misdemeanor speeding. Reports revealed that an undercover officer witnessed Riddle’s vehicle swerving through traffic at nearly 100 mph.
- Additionally, authorities reported that Chris Cole and Darren Ikinagbon were apprehended by Athens-Clarke County Police on February 18 for driving-related offenses. Both players were released shortly after being booked.
- In 2025, several players, including Nitro Tuggle, Marquez Easley, and Nye Daniels, faced similar reckless driving charges, although none remain on the team now.
- Sadly, in 2023, offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting coordinator Chandler LeCroy lost their lives in a high-speed crash, which also involved Carter, accused of racing another vehicle before the incident occurred.
