Two Georgia football players charged with reckless driving, continuing disturbing trend
Projected starting linebacker Chris Cole was one of two defenders arrested on Wednesday
By
Brad Crawford
Feb 19, 2026
at
10:03 am ET
•
3 min read
Getty Images
Georgia linebackers Chris Cole and Darren Ikinnagbon were arrested Wednesday night by Athens-Clarke County police on misdemeanor reckless driving charges, according to jail records. Cole was charged with reckless driving and speeding-maximum limits while Ikinnagbon faces misdemeanor charges of reckless driving, following too closely and speeding-maximum limits.
Both players posted bond shortly after their bookings.
“We are aware of the charges and are actively gathering additional information,” a Georgia team spokesperson stated about the arrests. “As this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not be providing further comment at this time.”
One of the Bulldogs’ top pass rushers last season, Cole finished with 59 tackles, a team-high 4.5 sacks and two pass breakups playing alongside 2026 NFL Draft hopeful CJ Allen.
Over 20 people associated with Georgia’s football program have been arrested for driving-related offenses since January 2023. Last March, Nitro Tuggle was arrested on charges of reckless driving and speeding after being clocked at 107 miles per hour, a few days after Georgia offensive lineman Marques Easley was involved in a crash at Athens Ridge Apartments, per the Athens Banner-Herald.
Georgia’s driving-related incidents since January 2023
January 2023: Georgia football staffer Chandler LeCroy and offensive lineman Devin Willock were killed in a single-car crash that also injured offensive lineman Warren McClendon and recruiting staffer Victoria Bowles.
February 2023: Georgia linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson was arrested on misdemeanor charges of racing on highway/streets and reckless driving for an incident that occurred on Jan. 10, one day after Georgia’s win against TCU in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
February 2023: Offensive lineman Aliou Bah was stopped for driving 65 miles per hour in a 45-MPH zone and received 12 months’ probation.
February 2023: Wide receiver De’Nylon Morrissettee was stopped for driving 81 MPH in a 45-MPH zone.
February 2023: Edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr. was stopped for driving 93 MPH in a 65-MPH zone.
March 2023: Former defensive lineman Jalen Carter was booked on misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing in relation to the January 2023 incident that resulted in the death of LeCroy and Willock. Carter was later released on bond and allowed to return to the NFL Combine.
March 2023: Defensive lineman Christen Miller was stopped for driving 95 MPH in a 65-MPH zone.
May 2023: Morrissette was stopped for driving 91 MPH in a 55-MPH zone.
May 2023: Morrissette was arrested on charges of DUI and drug possession, as well as driving on a restricted license.
May 2023: Wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint was arrested on reckless driving and speeding charges.
May 2023: Rosemy-Jacksaint was jailed for reckless driving and exceeding the speed limit.
July 2023: Edge Rusher Samuel M’Pemba was issued a citation for driving 88 MPH in a 55-MPH zone.
July 2023: Defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins was stopped for speeding and subsequently arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court for a separate parking violation.
July 2023: Georgia player connection coordinator Jarvis Jones was arrested on charges of reckless driving and speeding/maximum limits, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
March 2024: Running back Trevor Etienne was arrested on charges of DUI and reckless driving.
May 2024: Georgia wide receiver Sacovie White was arrested on charges of reckless driving and driving down a one-way roadway.
July 2024: Georgia offensive lineman Bo Hughley was arrested for for reckless driving and failure to maintain lane/improper driving on a road.
July 2024: Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon was arrested for reckless driving and racing on highways/streets.
September 2024: Georgie cornerback Daniel Harris was arrested on charges of reckless driving, affixing materials that reduce the visibility of windows/windshield, no proof of insurance and operation of an unregistered vehicle without a valid license plate.
March 2025: Easley is involved in an accident at Athens Ridge Apartments.
March 2025: Tuggle was arrested on charges of reckless driving and speeding.
February 2026: Chris Cole and Darren Ikinnagbon arrested on charges of reckless driving and speeding.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart stated last spring his program will continue to look at arrests on a case-by-case basis. Smart acknowledged the Bulldogs’ string of traffic-related issues and revealed that Georgia’s welcomed police officers several times to speak with the team.
“It’s been several years in terms of defensive driving courses, having players ride and learn how to drive, just like my two kids did with a driver’s license,” Smart stated.
