Georgia football recruiting staffers drove after drinking, court documents allege - ESPN

Football recruiting staffers at the University of Georgia routinely drove rented vehicles after consuming alcohol, according to court documents filed Thursday by attorneys representing a former staffer who was seriously injured in a January 2023 car wreck that killed a Bulldogs player and another staff member.

In an amended complaint filed in state court in Gwinnett County (Georgia), the attorneys also alleged that UGA assistant football coaches used cash to pay for recruiting expenses during unofficial recruiting visits, which could be a violation of NCAA rules.

Victoria Bowles, who survived the car crash that killed Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy on Jan. 15, 2023, sued the University of Georgia Athletic Association, former Georgia player Jalen Carter, LeCroy's estate and others for damages in July.

Police alleged that LeCroy and Carter, now a rookie with the Philadelphia Eagles, were racing when the SUV being driven by LeCroy left the road and crashed into a utility pole and trees. The lawsuit said LeCroy's SUV was traveling at least 104.2 mph when it crashed and had been racing another SUV driven by Carter for 45 seconds or less. Police said LeCroy's blood alcohol concentration was .197, nearly 2½ times the legal limit in Georgia.

«We are reviewing the amended complaint, but we dispute its claims and will vigorously defend the Athletic Association's interest in court,» a university spokesperson said in a statement Thursday.

The UGA Athletic Association previously said LeCroy didn't have permission to drive the rented SUV for personal use.

«The UGA Athletic Association denies that Ms. LeCroy had permission to drive the subject SUV (in its words) 'to downtown Athens