The current arrests of two Georgia Bulldogs soccer gamers has introduced a troubling program development again into focus.
On Wednesday, linebacker Chris Cole and edge-rusher Darren Ikinnagbon have been charged with rushing and reckless driving in separate incidents, as soon as once more elevating the alarm on an issue that has plagued the college for the previous three years.
Ikinnagbon was additionally cited for following too intently, and each have been booked and subsequently launched after posting bond.
As CBS Sports noted, the misdemeanor arrests are the newest in a protracted line of driving-related prices stemming from the Georgia soccer program since January 2023, when offensive lineman Devin Willock and staffer Chandler LeCroy have been killed in a crash hours after a victory parade commemorating the workforce’s second consecutive nationwide championship.
Chris Cole, Darren Ikinnagbon arrests proceed terrible Georgia sample
In line with CBS Sports activities’ Brad Crawford, “Over 20 folks related to Georgia’s soccer program have been arrested for driving-related offenses since January 2023.”
Most prices have been for reckless driving and/or rushing, however the issue is hardly one which has solely lately turned a difficulty.
Following the deaths of Willock and LeCroy, ESPN shared in June 2023 that Georgia gamers have been “concerned in at the least 60 extra transferring violations” because the begin of the 2021 tutorial calendar. That ESPN report adopted one from The Atlanta Journal-Structure that exposed Georgia gamers had obtained “almost 300” vehicular-related violations throughout Good’s tenure as head coach (since 2015).
In 2024, Good famous gamers’ entry to sooner automobiles because of NIL offers “means we’ve got extra alternatives to have visitors citations,” however the knowledge exhibits the issue has endured since lengthy earlier than gamers have been allowed to generate revenue primarily based on their identify, picture and likeness. (h/t AJC)
The newest arrests come after this system appeared to have taken a harder-line strategy at first of the 2024 season. Whereas linebacker Smael Mondon wasn’t benched for that yr’s opener towards Clemson after a July reckless driving and racing on highways/streets arrest, cornerback Daniel Harris was benched towards Kentucky immediately following an in-season reckless driving arrest whereas working an unregistered automobile with an unlawful tint and no proof of insurance coverage.
In March 2025, vast receiver Nitro Tuggle and offensive lineman Marques Easley were suspended indefinitely by the workforce following separate reckless driving incidents, prompting each to switch to the Purdue Boilermakers.
The workforce hasn’t introduced any punishment for Cole or Ikinnagbon but. Of the 2, Cole doubtless is line for the larger position in 2026. With 2025 starter CJ Allen going professional, there’s a gap for him to start out subsequent to Raylen Wilson at linebacker, however that is now unsure. Cole performed 423 snaps final season, primarily in a backup position, and completed the season with 18 whole pressures, 4 sacks and two go breakups. (h/t Pro Football Focus)
Ikinnagbon redshirted as a freshman, and with the Bulldogs additionally returning edge-rushers Quintavius Johnson, Joseph Jonah-Ajonye and Gabe Harris, in addition to 2025 five-star prospect Isaiah Gibson and fellow four-star Chase Linton, he could have an uphill climb to discovering a distinguished position this fall.
However the defensive rotation is secondary to the continuing off-field issues underneath Good’s watch. Whereas they are not unique to Georgia, this system’s change into the poster baby for reckless driving arrests within the sport, which is not the fame any workforce ought to need.
The violations are greater than a development. It is an epidemic that is troubled the Bulldogs for years and exhibits no indicators of slowing.
