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Georgia’s unfortunate cycle of driving-related arrests continued into the 2025 offseason. Four-star wide receiver Nitro Tuggle was booked on charges of speeding and reckless driving this week.
Over the last two years, the Bulldogs have been unable to get the legal run-ins under control. More than two dozen players have been arrested for their actions behind the wheel dating back to 2023.
🚨BREAKING: Georgia wide receiver Nitro Tuggle has been ARRESTED on charges of Reckless Driving and Speeding in Athens.
Since January 2023, at least 25 UGA players have faced arrests related to speeding, DUI, or reckless driving.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 20, 2025
The incidents started with a fatal drag racing accident that took the life of a player and staff member. Since, a string of issues related to DUI, reckless driving, and speeding has persisted.
Starting tailback Trevor Etienne was suspended for the Bulldogs’ opener last year. Quarterback Carson Beck did little to silence concerns as the team’s veteran leader.
Kirby Smart has tried to solve the problem by coming for players’ wallets. He’s vowed to penalize offenders by taking NIL money. That response hasn’t had the impact he’d hoped.
Nitro Tuggle became the latest Georgia football player arrested for reckless driving.
The former four-star recruit signed with the Bulldogs in the class of 2024. He briefly toyed with the idea of a transfer before announcing his intentions to remain in Athens. Not long after, he was booked on these recent charges.
His offenses included speeding (maximum limits) and reckless driving. He was released on bond at 2:55 am on Thursday morning.
Coach Smart previously dismissed the idea of an epidemic in Athens. He was heard brushing off the driving-related arrests during SEC Media Days in 2023.
“It’s very evident when you look at it, we’ve had traffic citations and incidents throughout the history of being at the University of Georgia. We actually don’t have more now than we’ve had in the past.”
-Kirby Smart
Most would disagree with that statement after seeing what’s transpired with the Georgia football team. Smart’s been unable to find a solution over the last two years. The issues have now trickled into the 2025 offseason with Nitro Tuggle offering a distraction from spring practice.
Update – The WR has been suspended.
Kirby Smart reportedly dropped the hammer on Nitro Tuggle and a teammate. The coach has suspended the players indefinitely, representing a major step up in punishment.
Georgia has indefinitely suspended WR Nitro Tuggle and OL Marques Easley per a UGA release. @DawgsHQ
— Rusty Mansell (@RustyMansell_) March 20, 2025
Smart appears to be taking the latest offense seriously. We’ll see if it results in a reduction of driving related run-ins.