Report: Georgia running back Trevor Etienne suspended for Week 1 vs. Clemson

Georgia is reportedly suspending star transfer running back Trevor Etienne for their Week 1 clash against the Clemson Tigers on Saturday afternoon.

According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs have made the decision, and Etienne is “expected to sit” for what would’ve been his debut with Georgia, in an all-important clash with one of the top teams in the ACC. The move stems from Etienne’s arrest in March.

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“Georgia is expected to sit star running back Trevor Etienne against Clemson, sources tell me and @RJ_cfb for @247Sports/@CBSSports,” Zenitz posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The suspension stems from Etienne’s offseason arrest.”

While the charges against Etienne, which included multiple misdemeanors, including DUI, were dropped in July, the Bulldogs still opted to suspend him for a game. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported this could be a possibility earlier this week.

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Moreover, Etienne transferred to Georgia this offseason after starting his career at Florida. He is the younger brother of former Clemson star running back Travis Etienne, who is now playing in the NFL.

Trevor Etienne made 24 appearances and one start for the Gators, tallying 249 carries for 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also amassed 30 catches for 238 yards and a score.

Although Etienne’s charges were dropped, he 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.

On Monday, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart refused to provide a definite answer when a reporter asked him if Etienne will serve a suspension.

“I don’t really talk about any of the other stuff in regards to any of our players with suspensions,” Smart said. “But I’m excited about all of the guys that are going to get an opportunity to play at back.”

Etienne’s backup, Rod Robinson, will also be unavailable on Saturday due to a toe injury he suffered in the preseason. Thamel revealed who he expects to play for Georgia if the program suspends Etienne.

“We’re going to see some new faces at tailback for the Dogs. Branson Robinson, kind of a bruising sophomore running back, is expected to get the start, and he’ll be backed up by a true freshman named Nate Frazier.

“He’s from Los Angeles. He played at Mater Dei. He has been the buzz player in Georgia camp. He’s an electric young back, who may not have gotten many carries in this game if not for the traffic that opened up in front of him. So, look for Frazier to potentially be a breakout guy on Saturday.”

Now, Georgia will square off against Clemson at noon ET on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ABC, and Trevor Etienne won’t be suiting up.

On3’s Grant Grubbs contributed to this article.