Georgia Receiver Nitro Tuggle Arrested for Reckless Driving

ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia football sophomore wide receiver Nitro Tuggle was arrested early Thursday morning for reckless driving and speeding, according to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Tuggle was apprehended at approximately 1:56 a.m. ET and posted a $26 bond for his release about an hour later, at 2:55 a.m. ET.

Tuggle, originally hailing from Goshen, Indiana, appeared in eight games for the Bulldogs during the previous season, securing three receptions for 34 yards. His recent arrest adds to a troubling trend within the program concerning driving-related offenses. Tuggle is the first Georgia player to be arrested this offseason, but multiple players faced similar issues last year.

Last fall, defensive back Daniel Harris was arrested for reckless driving, while other players were involved in various speeding-related incidents. Head coach Kirby Smart has previously expressed concerns about this ongoing problem. “I don’t know if we can ever eradicate speeding… but I’m going to damn sure try because I don’t think that what we’re doing right now has been effective enough,” Smart stated in July 2023.

In addition to Harris, former players including Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Jamon Dumas-Johnson were arrested on separate reckless driving charges in 2023. The previous summer saw tragic events when former offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy lost their lives in a high-speed crash.

As the Bulldogs prepare for Thursday’s practice, questions loom over Tuggle’s status with the team. Although previous players have faced suspensions following driving arrests, Smart indicated that it’s rare for players to face team dismissals for traffic violations. “There’s not one team that has ever suspended a player for a traffic violation… It’s repeated behaviors that will get you dismissed,” he noted last season.

Georgia football remains under scrutiny as it works to address the underlying issues related to player conduct. The situation presents not only legal ramifications but also implications for team morale as Tuggle looks to establish himself further in the wide receiver rotation.

As this is a developing story, updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The University of Georgia Athletics has been contacted for a statement but currently declined to comment on Tuggle’s situation.