The Skinny
Georgia Southern’s QB, Shai Werts was pulled over for speeding last Wednesday night. What was thought to be a simple traffic stop turned into much more. The police found a white, caked-on, powdery substance on the car which Wertz claimed was bird poop. Police said they tested the bird poop and it came back positive for traces of cocaine. Last Friday, it was announced that Wertz would be suspended following the incident.
However, all the charges were dropped. Here’s the body cam from one of the officers from that night:
Werts claimed it was bird poop from the beginning and was even willing to take a drug test to prove his innocence. They found no further evidence of any drugs once they searched the car and he passed the drug test.
My Reaction
Realistically this appears to be a simple misunderstanding. He was pulled over for going 80 in a 55. The officers saw the substance, tested it, and when it came back positive he was arrested. After being attacked all week in the media for what was perceived to be a dumb choice by Werts, there’s no need to suddenly switch teams, and go after the law enforcement. Field tests can sometimes be faulty and based off of the information given, that’s just what happened.
Here is a statement from the Georgia Southern Athletic Director.
After receiving word that the misdemeanor drug charge against Shai Werts has been dropped by the Saluda County, South Carolina Solicitors Office, Shai is no longer subject to the Gerogia Southern University’s student-athlete code of conduct protocol, which provides guidance for drug-related charges.
I have reviewed the incident and have spoken with Shai and Coach Lunsford and have determined that Shai will face no further suspension or disciplinary action, and the suspension he already completed will adequately serve as discipline for the currently pending misdemeanor speeding charge.
I have worked with Shai on a daily basis for three years, and these charges do not reflect the young man I have come to know. Shai has had our unwavering support throughout this entire process. We are glad to put this incident behind us and focus again on football ad the upcoming academic semester.
Tom Kleinlein per Ga. Southern Football Twitter
Fortunately for Georgia Southern, all is well that ends well for the star QB. The talented dual-threat QB threw for 987 yards with 10 TDs and rushed for 908 yards and 15 TDs. They’ll be facing LSU on August 31 to open the season.