Title: Lawsuit Filed Against UGA Athletic Association and Philadelphia Eagles Rookie Jalen Carter Following Fatal Car Wreck
Introduction
A lawsuit has been filed against the University of Georgia (UGA) athletic association and Philadelphia Eagles rookie Jalen Carter by Victoria Bowles, a former recruiting analyst for the university. The lawsuit accuses the UGA athletic association of negligence and contradicts public statements made by Bulldogs football coach Kirby Smart and other officials. This article will delve into the details of the lawsuit and shed light on the events leading up to the fatal car wreck.
Background
On January 15, a tragic car wreck claimed the life of a University of Georgia football player and a recruiting staffer. The crash occurred shortly after Georgia celebrated its second consecutive national championship with an on-campus parade. Following the incident, the UGA athletic association issued a statement claiming that rental vehicles were to be returned immediately after recruiting duties. However, the lawsuit filed by Bowles contradicts this statement, alleging that recruiting staff were regularly informed they could keep their personal vehicles overnight at the football facility and use association rental vehicles until a specified cut-off time.
Allegations of Negligence
The lawsuit further alleges that the UGA athletic association was negligent in allowing the recruiting staffer, Chandler LeCroy, to drive the SUV during her duties. Bowles’ lawyers claim that athletic officials were aware of LeCroy’s history of speeding violations, including two “super speeder” violations under Georgia law. The lawsuit argues that the association should have known that LeCroy regularly drove at extreme speeds when law enforcement was not present.
The crash occurred when LeCroy’s SUV, allegedly racing another SUV driven by Jalen Carter, left the road and struck trees and utility poles. The lawsuit claims that LeCroy’s blood alcohol concentration was nearly 2½ times the legal limit in Georgia. The lawsuit argues that while LeCroy may have been legally intoxicated, the proximate cause of the crash was street racing and extreme speed.
Response from the Georgia Athletic Association
In response to the lawsuit, the Georgia Athletic Association stated that they are reviewing the complaint but dispute its claims. They have asserted their intention to defend the association’s interests in court.
Involvement of Jalen Carter
The lawsuit also accuses Jalen Carter of illegally leaving the scene without speaking to law enforcement or rendering aid. It claims that Carter, aware of his joint responsibility for the crash, left the scene after less than 10 minutes. The lawsuit suggests that Carter’s decision to leave was motivated by a fear of bad publicity and its potential impact on his NFL draft status.
Legal Consequences
Jalen Carter pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing. He received a sentence of 12 months probation, a $1,000 fine, 80 hours of community service, and will attend a state-approved defensive driving course. Carter was selected as the ninth overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the recent NFL draft.
Seeking Damages
Bowles’ lawsuit seeks damages from LeCroy’s estate. Her injuries include multiple fractures, broken ribs, clavicle, teeth, kidney and liver lacerations, punctured and collapsed lung, abdominal bleeding, closed head injury, neurological damage, and severe eye pain. According to her neurosurgeon, she has also suffered significant damage to the membrane surrounding the nerves of her spinal cord, which could lead to permanent paralysis.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by Victoria Bowles against the UGA athletic association and Jalen Carter sheds light on the events leading up to the fatal car wreck that claimed the life of a University of Georgia football player and a recruiting staffer. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the UGA athletic association and accuses Carter of leaving the scene without speaking to law enforcement or rendering aid. As legal proceedings unfold, the parties involved will have the opportunity to present their cases and seek resolution.