Georgia disputes claims in Willock lawsuit with official statement
The University of Georgia Athletic Association (UGAA) issued an official statement on Wednesday afternoon disputing the claims in a Complaint made by attorneys representing the family of Devin Willock. According to a copy of the lawsuit obtained by WSB-TV’s Tom Jones, Willock’s father filed a lawsuit Tuesday seeking a total of $40 million for compensatory and punitive damages.
“The attorneys who filed the Complaint have refused to provide any factual basis for their claims against the Athletic Association, and we believe the evidence will prove them to be without merit,” UGAA said in a statement shared Wednesday afternoon. “We intend to strongly dispute these baseless allegations in Court.”
Willock tragically passed away on the morning of January 15th after a car crash that involved him and three other members of the Georgia Football program. Recruiting support staffer Chandler LeCroy was driving a 2021 Ford Expedition rented by UGAA going over 100 miles per hour with a blood alcohol content over twice the legal limit. The accident took place at approximately 2:45 a.m. in the 900 block of Barnett Shoals Road, killing LeCroy and Willock while injuring fellow offensive lineman Warren McClendon and Tory Bowles.
Athens Clarke County police arrested Georgia star defensive lineman Jalen Carter in March after an investigation revealed that he reportedly was speeding in a separate vehicle, charging him with reckless driving and racing charges. Carter pleased no contest and is serving 12 months probation.
Carter’s name also appeared in the lawsuit filed in Gwinnett County courts. Jones reports that the family is seeking $10 million from the Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick for his connection to the crash. Other parties names include Sarchione Auto, who reportedly provided Carter with the car he was driving as a part of a promotion deal, and Toppers International strip club, where the players and staffers were prior to leaving downtown Athens that night.
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Willock’s father, Dave, is the court-appointed administrator of his son’s estate and brought a $2 million lawsuit against the University of Georgia in a separate civil action lawsuit. Willock’s mother, Sharlene, has challenged that claim saying that the wrongful death claim is jointly held and that any action taken needs to be done in corroboration with her. She wants to reserve the right to sue in the future.
The lawsuit filed Tuesday claims, “LeCroy and other recruiting staff members drank alcohol at various events, at times served by caterers working for the athletic association. By the time of the crash, LeCroy’s blood-alcohol content was more than two times greater than the legal limit.” It also claims that the University provided LeCroy with the vehicle despite being aware of a driving record that including four speeding tickets in six years. Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that Sarchione Auto provided Carter with his 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk despite a driving history of speeding as well.
“We’re going through everything in the processes and procedures of that, and that’s still ongoing right now. So I don’t what to get into the specifics of that right now,” University of Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks said in February. “So far I haven’t seen anything that has caused me concern. Obviously we wish the vehicle had been turned in that evening, but the review is ongoing, and I’m confident that if any procedures need to be changed – I’m not sure they will need to be changed – but I’m confident that our athletic director and head coach will do what they need to do.”
