Athens, Ga. – Georgia sophomore wide receiver Nitro Tuggle and freshman offensive lineman Marques Easley were suspended indefinitely from all team activities on Thursday after Tuggle’s arrest for speeding and reckless driving.
Athens-Clarke County Jail records show Tuggle was arrested early Thursday on misdemeanor charges of speeding and reckless driving. Tuggle was released after posting bond.
The Athens Banner-Herald reported Easley was involved in a vehicle crash on Monday night.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart has said he has struggled to find ways to convince his players to avoid speeding and reckless driving.
A crash killed a player and a recruiting staffer in January 2023, shortly after the team celebrated its second straight national championship. Offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in the crash that occurred while LeCroy and defensive tackle Jalen Carter were racing.
Running back Trevor Etienne missed last season’s opener against Clemson and cornerback Daniel Harris also was held out of a game last season following driving-related arrests.
Tuggle’s arrest is the first known driving incident involving a Georgia player that resulted in charges this season. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Easley’s crash is still being investigated.
Tuggle caught three passes for 34 yards in the 2024 season and was projected for a more prominent role in 2025.
Georgia said there would be no further comment on the suspensions.
Cal hires Ron Rivera
Ron Rivera spent more than three decades in the NFL and had opportunities to return to the sideline as an assistant when a more intriguing option came his way.
Rather than mentor a first-time NFL coach, Rivera leaped at the chance to return to his alma mater to help revive the football program at California. Rivera was officially hired as the first general manager for the Cal football team on Thursday after the move was officially approved by the UC Regents.
“This is an opportunity to come home and give back,” Rivera said. “The university has given me so much in my lifetime. It was kind of the launching pad that got me going into the direction that I did as far as playing professionally and ended up being an NFL coach and altogether 36 years involved in the NFL. … I’m looking for another challenge, another opportunity. But where better than to come home to the university and give back.”
Rivera will report directly to chancellor Rich Lyons in the newly created role. Head football coach Justin Wilcox will continue to report to athletic director Jim Knowlton, who also reports to Lyons.
Rivera said he will be involved in “every aspect” of the football team from going to practices, working closely with Wilcox and his assistants and relating with the players, many of whom aim to follow his trajectory to the NFL.
Rivera’s role will also focus on revenue generation, fundraising and engaging with alumni and donors to generate more interest and support for the program.
“Those folks have been by us some for so many years,” Rivera said. “I know they’ve been tough, lean years. But you know what? It’s time to change that. We have an opportunity to change that. But we have to do it together. Just because I’m here doesn’t mean anything. The thing that means is we’ve got work to do, and we got to do it together.”
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