ESPN: Trevor Etienne suspension 'not necessarily' 1 game, per Kirby Smart

As Georgia took the field for Saturday’s season opener against Clemson, new running back Trevor Etienne didn’t take the field. The Florida transfer is serving a suspension under university policy after a DUI over the offseason.

Although Etienne was dressed for the game, Kirby Smart said the suspension is “not necessarily” for one game, ESPN’s Molly McGrath reported. The length of his absence is unclear, she said.

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“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 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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In July, however, the charges were dropped. Etienne reached a plea deal and 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.

Georgia athletics policy said Etienne still had to serve a suspension for the arrest, though. Reports indicated he was expected to miss the entirety of Saturday’s game as a result.

Smart didn’t comment on the length of the suspension earlier this week ahead of the Clemson game. He instead pivoted to his excitement to see who else could step in at the running back position.

“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.”