The University of Georgia Athletic Association has gone on the defensive, disputing claims contained in a lawsuit filed by the family of a UGA football player killed in a car wreck.
Dave Willock, father of offensive lineman Devin Willock, filed a $40 million lawsuit against the Association and others he claims are responsible for his son’s death. Devin Willock died in a car accident on January 15. UGA recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy of Toccoa also died in the crash.
The lawsuit, filed in Gwinnett County, also names former Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter, LeCroy’s estate, and Athens strip club Toppers International Showbar as defendants. According to reports, the group had been at Toppers before the accident, which happened after the football team’s national championship parade in Athens.
In a statement issued late Wednesday, the Association said, “The attorneys who filed the complaint have refused to provide any factual basis for their claims against the Athletic Association, and we believe the evidence will prove them to be without merit.”
“We intend to strongly dispute these baseless allegations in court,” the statement read.
Dave Willock and the Willock estate are seeking $30 million in damages from the defendants. They are seeking an additional $10 million in damages from Carter.
Willock’s attorneys informed Georgia’s Board of Regents in April that they intend to sue the university for $2 million in damages.
Devin Willock and LeCroy died when an SUV driven by LeCroy hit two telephone poles and several trees on Barnett Shoals Road in Athens. Police believe LeCroy was racing with Carter, who was driving another car, and traveling at 104 mph when the accident occurred. LeCroy’s blood alcohol level was .197, more than double the legal limit in Georgia, police reported.
The lawsuit alleges the Athletic Association was aware of LeCroy’s driving history, which reportedly included four speeding tickets over the last six years.
Willock is also suing the luxury car dealership that provided Jalen Carter with a vehicle. The suit alleges Sarchione Auto of Ohio knew, or should have known, about Carter’s driving history, which also included several traffic citations for speeding and running red lights.
Carter, who was selected by the Eagles with the No. 9 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing in connection to the crash. He was sentenced to 12 months probation, a $1,000 fine, and 80 hours of community service. The courts also ordered Carter to complete a driving course.
