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$25M lawsuit claims Deshazor Everett, 2 other Washington football players were racing before 2021 fatal crash
The mother of a woman killed in a 2021 crash while riding in a car driven by former Washington football player Deshazor Everett in Loudoun County, Virginia, has filed a $25 million wrongful death lawsuit against Everett, two current Washington players and a friend.
The filing by Kathleen Peters nearly two years after the Dec. 23, 2021 crash that killed her 29-year-old daughter, Olivia Peters, names Everett, Jamin Davis and Benjamin St-Juste of the Washington Commanders, as well as a mutual friend, auto shop owner Shadidul Islam.
Olivia Peters grew up in Rockville, Maryland, and was Everett’s fiancée at the time of the crash. She was an occupational therapist who established and operated two pediatric therapy practices — one in Las Vegas, and the other in New York City — devoted to treating children with special needs, according to the civil filing.
On the evening of Dec. 23, 2021, all of the defendants “were aware that they were driving recklessly, were speeding and racing their cars on the public highways of Loudoun County and they were aware that such conduct was illegal,” according to the suit.
Peters’ lawsuit claims Everett and his friends were texting and talking about racing before and during their travels on the night of the crash.
“Everett, while speeding and driving recklessly, suddenly lost control of his car and swerved into the right lane of traffic, turned perpendicular, and then skidded off the road. As the car skidded through a grassy area at a high rate of speed, it flipped violently and repeatedly into a wooded area where it finally came to rest on its side after striking a tree more than 200 feet from the road,” the lawsuit reads.
The suit alleges that Everett was driving more than double the legal speed limit at the time of the crash and that his vehicle was equipped with an illegal nitrous oxide turbocharging formula.
Washington Post (paywall)
Two Commanders accused of ‘reckless’ car racing in wrongful-death lawsuit
[Olivia] Peters died Dec. 23, 2021, after riding in a 2010 Nissan GT-R that [Deshazor] Everett was driving in Loudoun County. Everett swerved, hit multiple trees and rolled. He was ejected from the car, and Peters was trapped inside. She was removed from the vehicle and transported to Stone Springs Hospital Center, where she was pronounced dead from internal bleeding. Everett suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
According to the suit, the defendants “drove at high rates of speed well in excess of the posted speed limits,” “changed lanes erratically and without signaling,” “crossed over double yellow lines and drove in the opposite lane of traffic” and “raced each other on multiple occasions.”
[Jamin] Davis was charged with reckless driving (89 mph in a 65-mph zone) four days before the crash. The charge was reduced to an infraction. Three months after the crash, Davis was charged again with reckless driving, this time on allegations he was driving his McLaren 114 mph in a 45-mph zone. He was convicted and sentenced to 30 days of jail time, but he appealed and is awaiting another hearing, scheduled for March 4.
Washington Post (paywall)
Jacoby Brissett injures hamstring, is questionable to play vs. 49ers
Coach Ron Rivera said that Brissett complained of tightness and soreness after the team’s evening meetings Thursday. His hamstring was still tight Friday morning, and he was added to the injury report.
“We wanted to be careful and see how he’s doing,” Rivera said. “We’re going to monitor him the next 48 hours.”
Rivera said that Howell will start Sunday if Brissett is unable to play.
“It was kind of surprising late last night finding out,” Rivera said. “… We’ll see how [Brissett] is tomorrow and keep going from there. … He took some reps today and looked pretty good still moving around. But if it’s tightness, the last thing you want is for it to happen during the game. So we got to be smart about this.”
Commanders.com
Three keys to Washington upsetting the 49ers on New Year’s Eve
3. Get the ball out quickly.
Jacoby Brissett is questionable with a hamstring injury for Sunday, but whoever plays quarterback for the Commanders is going to face one of the most fearsome pass-rushes this season when they line up under center for his first start of the season.
It’s hard to find something the 49ers’ defensive line isn’t good at. Nick Bosa, who has double-digit sacks for the third consecutive season despite getting the third most double teams among edge defenders, leads a defensive line that is 10th in pass-rush win rate. Bosa is constantly in quarterbacks’ faces with 88 total pressures. As a team, they have 14 players with at least one sack this season.
The 49ers are deep at every position, but defensive line might be their most talented from top to bottom. Arik Armstead, Javon Hargrave, Chase Young and Javon Kinlaw are just a few of the more notable names on the roster, all of which excel at rushing the passer.
Brissett, who has yet to be sacked this season, is going to face a relentless wave of pressure from Bosa and his teammates, assuming that he plays. So, the best way to minimize that is by getting the ball out quickly to let his playmakers do the work. Brissett has done a decent job of that; over the last two games, he’s gotten rid of the ball at an average speed of 2.5 seconds. While it’s a small sample size, it’s still one of the faster release times among quarterbacks this season.
That has led to some success for Brissett. His average depth of target is just nine yards, and yet the Commanders’ offense amassed 328 combined yards with him under center against the Rams and Jets.
ESPN
Commanders’ Jacoby Brissett questionable after injuring hamstring
Regardless of who starts at quarterback, Washington will face a tough battle against the 49ers because of injuries. The Commanders will be without a handful of starters for Sunday’s game, including starting offensive linemen in center Tyler Larsen (knee) and left tackle Charles Leno Jr. (calf). Two starting cornerbacks, Benjamin St-Juste (concussion) and Kendall Fuller (knee), also will be sidelined.
Riggo’s Rag
4 head coach/general manager partnerships the Commanders must consider in 2024
The Commanders must find the right balance with their hires this offseason.
Commanders could look to the 49ers
- Head Coach: Bobby Slowik
- General Manager: Adam Peters
If the Washington Commanders want to study successful models from around the league and copycat, then looking at the San Francisco 49ers is another smart approach. Something the billionaire might be able to discuss in greater depth with the NFC West outfit after the two sides square off at FedEx Field this weekend.
Adam Peters is going to be a hot name during the upcoming general manager cycle. He’s seen as the Niners’ secret weapon during their impressive roster management. Almost every decision aside from their trade-up for quarterback Trey Lance has been a home run. They’ve also managed to maintain financial flexibility while others around the NFL deal with substantial salary-cap complications.
The Commanders won’t be alone if they wish to bring Peters to the franchise. He looks more than ready for a step up to become a primary shot-caller. This could also see Bobby Slowik generate head coaching interest to bring a previous connection to Washington.
Slowik and Peters have ties from their time together on the Niners. More importantly, the progressive coach has thrived in his role as Houston Texans offensive coordinator this season after following DeMeco Ryans to Texas.
His innovative concepts coupled with C.J. Stroud’s development make Slowik an intriguing candidate. Whether the Commanders are after someone with a little more experience remains to be seen, but this tandem could potentially be on the shortlist when push comes to shove.
Commanders Wire
Commanders LB Khaleke Hudson again showing his value
[C]oaches [had] limited [Hudson] to a grand total of five defensive snaps in 2022 going into the season finale against Dallas. That day he was permitted to play all 67 defensive snaps making 7 tackles.
With two games remaining, Hudson is playing more now, being given six defensive starts. He has made 50 tackles, 2 quarterback hits, 1 quarterback sack and 2 tackles for a loss.
Hudson enjoyed a big game last week against the Jets with 8 solo tackles and two passes defended. He was also in on 7 assisted tackles.
Podcasts & videos
Friday five on video. Sam Howell; Chase Young; 2023 draft class; don’t settle yet on one position in the draft; more. @ESPNRichmond https://t.co/82NMpgnAYW
— John Keim (@john_keim) December 29, 2023
“From Humble Beginnings” Sam Cosmi is our Next Man Up | Washington Commanders
Mike Jones and Craig Hoffman talk Eric Bieniemy’s playcalling, Commanders QB change
KJ Henry Mic’d Up on Christmas Eve vs. the Jets | Washington Commanders | NFL
Thom Loverro, Doc Walker on the state of the Commanders ahead of offseason of change
NBC Washington: Commanders to honor Tony Lewis Jr. for criminal justice reform work
Photos
Commanders.com
PHOTOS | Commanders practice, 12/28
Check out the top photos of the Washington Commanders preparing for their Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
