Nolan Smith Jr. Apologizes for Speeding Arrest

Read, Watch or Listen

Article: Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. apologized publicly on Monday for his arrest following a high-speed traffic stop. According to the Twiggs County Sheriff's Office in Georgia, police clocked Smith driving at 135 mph in a 70 mph zone on the interstate. The incident occurred at 10:41 p.m. on May 15.Smith addressed reporters at training camp to issue his first public remarks regarding the incident. He confirmed he apologized directly to the Eagles organization, including general manager Howie Roseman and team owner Jeffrey Lurie. Smith stated that he represents the organization everywhere he goes and called his actions unacceptable. He added that his teammates hold him to a high standard of accountability on and off the football field and vowed that it would not happen again.A court date for the case had been scheduled for July 14. Smith was not required to appear in court in person if he paid the fines associated with the citations. Smith told reporters on Monday that nothing further came from his arrest.The 25-year-old linebacker was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft. He joined a professional defense that reunited him with several former teammates from his collegiate career at the University of Georgia, including Jalen Carter, Nakobe Dean, and Jordan Davis. Over his three seasons with the franchise, Smith has recorded 10.5 sacks, 25 quarterback hits, and 10 tackles for loss. During the 2024 NFL regular season, he posted 6.5 sacks, followed by four additional sacks during the postseason as part of the Eagles' run to the Super Bowl.