Trevor Etienne suspended for season opener against Clemson due to DUI

Trevor Etienne, a running back for Georgia, has been suspended for the season opener against Clemson due to a DUI and reckless driving incident that occurred in the spring. Following his arrest on March 24, he faced multiple charges, including DUI and reckless driving. As part of a plea agreement, the DUI charge was dropped, and he pleaded no contest to reckless driving while also admitting guilt to underage possession of alcohol and other minor violations. As a result of the legal proceedings, Etienne received 12 months of probation, was fined $852, and was mandated to complete a substance abuse evaluation, 40 hours of community service, and an alcohol risk reduction program. The Georgia athletic department's policy stipulates that a player found guilty of DUI must miss at least one game or 10% of the season, which in this case led to his suspension for the opener. In addition to Etienne's absence, the Bulldogs will also be without running back Roderick Robinson II, who is recovering from turf toe surgery. This situation leaves Branson Robinson, Nate Frazier, and walk-on Cash Jones as the primary options for the backfield during the highly anticipated game against Clemson at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Etienne, who transferred to Georgia from Florida in January, had a productive season with the Gators, rushing for 753 yards and scoring eight touchdowns. His older brother, Travis, is a Clemson alumnus and played a significant role in the Tigers' success during his college career.