Georgia basketball freshman Kareem Stagg was arrested Wednesday in Oconee County after authorities clocked him driving 87 MPH in a 65 MPH zone on Ga. 316.
The 6-foot-8, 230-pound forward from Chesapeake, Va., was alone in a 2023 Tesla Model Y at the time of the stop. Stagg told the officer he did not have his physical license but expected a paper copy to arrive by mail.
He presented a Georgia driver’s course certificate and acknowledged knowing that his learner’s permit required a licensed driver over 21 to accompany him.
The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office charged Stagg with speeding and driving without a valid license. He was released from custody later that afternoon after posting bonds totaling $1,245.
The University of Georgia athletics department issued a statement saying it was aware of the charges and actively gathering additional information. As this remains an ongoing legal matter, the program declined further comment.
“We are aware of the charges and are actively gathering additional information. As this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not be providing further comment at this time,” the school said in a statement, via the New York Post.
Stagg averaged 4.8 points and 2.4 rebounds in 33 games as a freshman, including nine starts. He recently announced his return for the 2026-27 season.
The incident marks another in a series of vehicular issues involving Bulldogs athletes.
In February, linebackers Chris Cole and Darren Ikinnagbon were arrested after both were clocked driving 105 MPH on the Athens perimeter loop, facing charges of reckless driving, speeding and, in one case, following too closely.
Other 2025 incidents included wide receiver Nitro Tuggle cited at 107 MPH, offensive lineman Marques Easley involved in a crash and later suspended, and offensive lineman Nyier Daniels arrested on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly fleeing police.
These add to more than 20 documented driving-related cases involving Georgia football players since the fatal January 2023 crash that killed offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy.
