Georgia football’s Kirby Smart doesn’t address Trevor Etienne’s status

Trevor Etienne was suspended for Georgia’s football game against Clemson on Saturday, and after the Bulldogs’ big win, head coach Kirby Smart declined to provide any updates on the running back’s current status with the team.

“We don’t talk about those things,” Smart told reporters in response to a question about whether Etienne’s absence will be for one game or more.

“Nice try, though. Focused on how our guys played today and that’s the focus and energy we put into it. I appreciate your question.”

Notably, Smart appeared to suggest in pregame comments that Etienne’s suspension may last more than one game, as reported by ESPN reporter Molly McGrath.

“Not necessarily,” McGrath told Smart when asked if Etienne would only miss one game.

“But one thing is clear: This team believes in Etienne,” McGrath added, noting that he “has taken responsibility for his teammates” and that the Georgia coaches view him as their No. 1 running back.

Georgia’s backup quarterbacks rushed for 169 yards in the team’s 34-3 win over Clemson. Nate Frazier led the way with 83 yards and a touchdown, and Cash Jones’ only run went for a score.

Combined, the Bulldogs’ rushers averaged 6.3 yards per carry.

Etienne was arrested March 24 on charges of DUI, reckless driving and three other felonies.

In a plea agreement reached in July, prosecutors dropped the DUI charge as Etienne pleaded no contest to reckless driving and guilty to charges of possession of alcohol by minors, failure to maintain lane and a hue and cry violation the windows.

Etienne received 12 months of probation, was fined $852 and ordered to complete a substance abuse evaluation, 40 hours of community service and an alcohol risk reduction program.

Following Etienne’s suspension, Georgia would likely turn to sophomore Branson Robinson. He missed all of last season while recovering from a torn patellar tendon.

Cash Jones averaged 7.3 yards per carry last season as a backup, rushing 22 times for 161 yards and a touchdown, catching another TD on 11 rushes.

Etienne transferred to Georgia from Florida this offseason. He had 249 carries for 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns in 24 appearances for the Gators.

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