Georgia Football Staffers Allegedly Drove Recruits After Drinking: Report

University of Georgia football recruiting staffers allegedly frequently drove after drinking, according to court documents, per multiple reports.

The allegations are part of a lawsuit filed by former Georgia recruiting staffer Victoria Bowles, who survived the car crash that killed Georgia player Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy on Jan. 15, 2023. The incident happened after the program celebrated its second straight national championship with an on-campus parade.

Bowles sued the University of Georgia Athletic Association, former Georgia player and current Philadelphia Eagle Jalen Carter, LeCroy's estate and others for damages in July, but amended her lawsuit recently to mention the staffers driving after drinking.

The initial lawsuit said LeCroy's car sped at least 104.2 mph when it crashed while racing Carter, who was in another vehicle. Police said LeCroy's blood alcohol concentration was .197 — more than double the legal limit in Georgia.

The new amended complaint claims that text messages show that supervisors and coaches "encouraged recruiting staff to drink alcohol with football prospects' families-well aware that staffers would leave the events after consuming alcohol," per ESPN.

The complaint includes several specific text exchanges that show Georgia staff members discussing the topic of driving after drinking, and not discouraging it completely.

"Association coaches and staff regularly drank alcohol at UGA football Coach Kirby Smart's residence during recruiting events, and then, in Association SUVs, returned recruits' families and guests back to their lodging," the complaint said, per ESPN. "The Association and UGA coaches were well aware that involved alcohol, in Association SUVs."

One text message allegedly wrote: "Hey guys... if you are driving you can have fun at Coach Smarts but if you are driving a recruit make sure you don't get drunk. It will be a bad look if we have people who are supposed to be driving recruits getting lit."

Bowles' lawsuit also alleges that Georgia's assistant football coaches used cash to pay for recruiting expenses during unofficial recruiting visits, which could be a violation of NCAA rules.

Bowles' lawyers claim that she incurred more than $170,000 in medical expenses and suffered "likely permanent disability." The injuries she claims to have suffered includes serious head damage, including damage to the membrane that surrounds the nerves of her spinal cord, which can progress to permanent paralysis.