Kirby Smart declines to address status of Trevor Etienne

As Georgia put together a dominant performance against Clemson, there was one noticeable absence. Trevor Etienne – one of the biggest additions in the transfer portal – didn’t play due to a suspension stemming from a March DUI arrest.

Kirby Smart declined to address Etienne’s status ahead of the matchup, and after the game, it was more of the same. When asked if it was a suspension or if it was a one-game ban, Smart didn’t comment and shifted his focus to the players who took the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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“We don’t talk about those things,” Smart said. “Good try, though. … Focused on how our guys played today, and that’s the focus and energy I put into it. Appreciate your question.”

Etienne was arrested in March on four charges – driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane and affixing materials that reduce the visibility from windows and/or windshield. He posted a $1,883 bond and was released less than an hour after he was booked.

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The charges were dropped in July as part of a plea deal. However, Georgia athletics policy said Etienne still had to serve a suspension for the arrest, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

The former Florida star dressed out for Saturday’s win over Clemson, but didn’t see the field after reports said he wouldn’t play. In fact, during the game, ESPN’s Molly McGrath said Smart indicated it might not just be a one-game suspension.

“When we asked Kirby Smart if this would be a one-game suspension for Trevor Etienne, he said, ‘Not necessarily.’ So the length of this suspension is still unclear,” McGrath said on the ABC broadcast in the second quarter. “But one thing is clear, this team believes in Etienne. I’m told he took accountability with his teammates. Coaches say he is the unquestionable leader, the No. 1 back for the Bulldogs. And on the sidelines, he’s been very active, coaching up their young running backs and even speaking with their offensive line during this game.”

Etienne was impressive during his two seasons at Florida, splitting carries with Montrell Johnson. In 2023, he totaled 753 rushing yards and eight touchdowns before entering the transfer portal and committing to Georgia.