The latest arrests of two Georgia Bulldogs soccer gamers has introduced a troubling program pattern again into focus.
On Wednesday, linebacker Chris Cole and edge-rusher Darren Ikinnagbon have been charged with dashing and reckless driving in separate incidents, as soon as once more elevating the alarm on an issue that has plagued the college for the previous three years.
Ikinnagbon was additionally cited for following too intently, and each have been booked and subsequently launched after posting bond.
As CBS Sports noted, the misdemeanor arrests are the newest in an extended line of driving-related prices stemming from the Georgia soccer program since January 2023, when offensive lineman Devin Willock and staffer Chandler LeCroy have been killed in a crash hours after a victory parade commemorating the crew’s second consecutive nationwide championship.
Chris Cole, Darren Ikinnagbon arrests proceed terrible Georgia sample
In accordance with CBS Sports activities’ Brad Crawford, “Over 20 folks related to Georgia’s soccer program have been arrested for driving-related offenses since January 2023.”
Most prices have been for reckless driving and/or dashing, however the issue is hardly one which has solely not too long ago grew to become a difficulty.
Following the deaths of Willock and LeCroy, ESPN shared in June 2023 that Georgia gamers have been “concerned in a minimum of 60 extra transferring violations” because the begin of the 2021 tutorial calendar. That ESPN report adopted one from The Atlanta Journal-Structure that exposed Georgia gamers had acquired “almost 300” vehicular-related violations throughout Good’s tenure as head coach (since 2015).
In 2024, Good famous gamers’ entry to sooner automobiles due to NIL offers “means we have now extra alternatives to have visitors citations,” however the information reveals the issue has persevered since lengthy earlier than gamers have been allowed to generate earnings based mostly on their title, picture and likeness. (h/t AJC)
The latest arrests come after this system appeared to have taken a harder-line strategy firstly of the 2024 season. Whereas linebacker Smael Mondon wasn’t benched for that yr’s opener towards Clemson after a July reckless driving and racing on highways/streets arrest, cornerback Daniel Harris was benched towards Kentucky straight following an in-season reckless driving arrest whereas working an unregistered automobile with an unlawful tint and no proof of insurance coverage.
In March 2025, vast receiver Nitro Tuggle and offensive lineman Marques Easley were suspended indefinitely by the crew following separate reckless driving incidents, prompting each to switch to the Purdue Boilermakers.
The crew hasn’t introduced any punishment for Cole or Ikinnagbon but. Of the 2, Cole seemingly is line for the larger function in 2026. With 2025 starter CJ Allen going professional, there’s a gap for him to begin subsequent to Raylen Wilson at linebacker, however that is now doubtful. Cole performed 423 snaps final season, primarily in a backup function, and completed the season with 18 whole pressures, 4 sacks and two move breakups. (h/t Pro Football Focus)
Ikinnagbon redshirted as a freshman, and with the Bulldogs additionally returning edge-rushers Quintavius Johnson, Joseph Jonah-Ajonye and Gabe Harris, in addition to 2025 five-star prospect Isaiah Gibson and fellow four-star Chase Linton, he could have an uphill climb to discovering a distinguished function this fall.
However the defensive rotation is secondary to the continuing off-field issues underneath Good’s watch. Whereas they are not unique to Georgia, this system’s develop into the poster youngster for reckless driving arrests within the sport, which is not the fame any crew ought to need.
The violations are greater than a pattern. It is an epidemic that is stricken the Bulldogs for years and reveals no indicators of slowing.
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