Reckless driving charges dropped against Georgia LB

Field Level Media|published: 08/19/2024, 11:32am EDT

Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon speaks to the media on the first day of spring practice in Athens, Ga., on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

Charges of reckless driving and racing were dismissed against Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon on Monday.

Attorney Billy Healan confirmed to ESPN that his client pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of driving too fast for conditions at a hearing Monday at Athens-Clarke County Municipal Court.

Mondon, who was arrested on July 10, attended defensive driving and victim impact classes and paid a $500 fine, Healan confirmed.

"We feel like this was the appropriate resolution," Healen told ESPN. "Smael accelerated too fast, but he was not racing and wasn't reckless. He has paid his fine, and he is ready to move on from here. Smael is scheduled to graduate in December and had no prior traffic incidents."

Mondon, from Dallas, Ga., is a senior projected to start for the third consecutive season. He made the coaches' 2023 All-SEC second team after ranking second on the roster with 68 tackles in 13 games. He led the Bulldogs in tackles with 76 in 2022.

Georgia, ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press preseason poll, opens the season Aug. 31 against No. 14 Clemson in Atlanta.

--Field Level Media