Former Georgia Bulldog and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones, who now works on the football staff at his alma mater, was arrested for speeding and reckless driving ahead of the team’s season opener against Tennessee-Martin, police said.
Jones’ arrest Friday night is the latest driving investigation involving the two-time reigning national champions, who have been dealing with what seems like an increase in such issues since a high-speed crash killed offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy on Jan. 15, just hours after a celebratory parade through Athens, Georgia.
The 33-year-old Jones is now a player coordinator for the Bulldogs. He played for Georgia from 2010-12 under former head coach Mark Richt.
During his time in a Bulldogs jersey Jones set school records for sacks in a season with 14.5 and tackles for loss with 24.5 that still stand to this day.
An Athens-Clarke County police report shows Jones was arrested shortly before midnight last Friday for maximum limits speeding and reckless driving. He was released on $2,400 bond about an hour later.
Georgia football coach Jarvis Jones was arrested on reckless driving and speeding charges
Jones was drafted No. 17 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers after playing at Georgia
Georgia head coach said confirmed that Jones would face internal discipline for the incident
No other details on the arrest were available because of the Labor Day holiday.
After being selected No. 17 overall by Pittsburgh in the 2013 NFL draft, Jones spent four seasons with the Steelers.
He retired before the 2017 campaign after being released with an injury settlement by the Arizona Cardinals due to a ‘disc issue’ in his back.
Early on in his college career – that started off at USC – Jones suffered a neck injury and was diagnosed with spinal stenosis during the 2009 season. Doctors at USC refusing to clear him to play football in 2010 led to his eventual transfer to Georgia.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Monday that Jones would face ‘internal discipline.’
‘It’s a personnel matter and I really can’t comment further on it,’ Smart said.
UGA has dealt with a long list of driving issues since the crash that killed Willcock and LeCroy
At least 14 Georgia players have either been arrested or ticketed for speeding and reckless driving since the crash that killed Willock and LeCroy.
Police said LeCroy, while driving an SUV leased by the university, was racing former Georgia star Jalen Carter when she lost control of the vehicle.
Carter, a first-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, received probation and a $1,000 fine after pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing.
Georgia opened its season this past Saturday with a 48-7 victory over Tennessee-Martin.