Linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. (R) is under contract with the Philadelphia Eagles through 2027-28. File Photo by Laurence Kesterson/UPI | License Photo
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. was arrested on speeding and reckless driving accusations and later released, a spokesperson from the Twiggs County (Ga.) Sheriff’s Office told UPI on Thursday.
Smith, a Savannah, Ga. native, was clocked driving at Lamborghini at 135 mph in a 70-mph zone on the interstate Friday night, police said. He was booked at 11:24 p.m. EDT Friday and released at 12:41 a.m. Saturday.
Smith has a July 14 court date, but will not need to appear if he pays the citations he was issued.
The Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office posted about the incident Saturday on Facebook, stating that officers observed Smith driving at nearly double the speed limit Friday on Interstate 16 eastbound.
“The driver was cooperative throughout the encounter,” the post read. “Instead of a tow truck visit for a very expensive Italian ‘supercar nap,’ the driver chose to follow deputies back to the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office, where citations were issued, bond was posted and the driver was released.
“No drama. No injuries. Just a very fast car learning a very expensive lesson,” the sheriff’s office said.
The Eagles exercised the fifth-year option on Smith’s rookie contract in April. He is set to make $13.7. million in 2027, the final year of that pact.
The three-year veteran, who joined Philadelphia as the No. 30 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, totaled 91 combined tackles, 25 quarterback hits, 10.5 sacks, two passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries through the first 45 appearances of his career.
Smith made a career-high 12 starts last season. He missed five games due to a triceps injury.
Eagles players will participate in the first day of organized team activities Tuesday. Mandatory minicamp is scheduled June 9 and 10. Philadelphia will open its preseason campaign against the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 15 in Baltimore.
