Report: Trevor Etienne DUI charges from March dropped after plea deal

Georgia running back Trevor Etienne, who was charged with multiple misdemeanors including DUI, had his case resolved under a plea deal, per the Athens Banner-Herald.

“Charges of DUI less safe and DUI under 21 were dismissed while Etienne pled no contest to a reckless driving charge from the early morning March 24 incident and pled guilty to underage possession of alcohol, failure to maintain lane and a window tint violation,” Marc Weiszer of the ABH wrote.

Etienne received 12 months of probation and an $852 fine as well as a $45 per month supervision fee. He had to complete a substance abuse evaluation, 40 hours of community service, an alcohol risk reduction program and is subject to random drug and alcohol screenings.

“We’re pleased the evidence didn’t support the DUI charge to begin with,” attorney Kim Stephens, who represented Etienne, told the Athens Banner-Herald. “We’re pleased the Solicitor’s Office saw that and agreed to something that wasn’t a DUI.”

Etienne previously admitted to drinking alcohol earlier on the night he was out, but refused field sobriety and blood alcohol tests. The judge was told that there was minimal evidence of intoxication to go forward with that charge.

While speaking to members of the media after the spring game, head coach Kirby Smart praised Etienne for his talent work ethic, and how he’s handled football since his DUI arrest.

“He’s a good back,” Smart said. “He’s explosive, he’s quick in and out of the hole. He’s different than what we’ve had. I think the [D’Andre] Swift analogy is good. [James] Cook analogy is good.”

On the field, Etienne already proved that he could succeed in the SEC. He spent two seasons with the Florida Gators and while he was there, he rushed for 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns in 24 games. Etienne also had 238 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.

Despite how obviously talented he is, Kirby Smart explained that he’s still working to grow as a player and he highlighted his work in pass protection.

“He’s really taken a lot of personal pride in working on his protection,” Smart said in the spring. He had a nice pick up today. He’s learning the offense. Look, the guy’s been a good SEC player for two years. It’s not like he’s a freshman.

“He’s a really good player and a really good kid. I’ve been proud of the way he’s handled everything since his deal.”