Georgia Bulldogs: DL Jonathan Ledbetter arrested…again
Shortly after the charges from his first arrest were dropped, Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter found himself in trouble yet again with the Athens-Clarke County police. This time for DUI and underage possession of alcohol.
Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is getting plenty of practice dealing with off-field trouble prior to the start of the 2016 season. If the name “Jonathan Ledbetter” sounds familiar recently, it’s because this Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman attracted a lot of attention with his March 20th arrest.
On March 20, Ledbetter was arrested at the Silver Dollar Bar in Athens, GA, for possession of a fake ID and underage drinking. Those charges were later dropped on Monday, May 23, due to an issue with how his identity was obtained by Athens-Clarke County police.
As a result of the initial arrest, Ledbetter would face the punishment of a one-game suspension per team policy. However, once the charges were dropped, Coach Smart never did specifically confirm whether or not Ledbetter would still face that suspension.
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Considering his public Twitter apology and apparent “showing of remorse,” many were hopefully that Ledbetter had learned a valuable lesson and would avoid further offenses in the future. Most hopeful was of course Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart.
Unfortunately, it didn’t take very long before he committed his second offense. Early this morning, Sunday, July 10, Ledbetter was booked into Athens-Clarke County jail, charged with DUI and underage possession of alcohol.
While he may have escaped suspension with his first offense, there is no doubt Ledbetter will face heavier consequences after this ordeal. According to UGA’s drug and alcohol policy, a DUI mandates a two-game suspension. But, there is also his initial offense, which may or may not factor into the school’s decision.
VIA the Athens Banner-Herald:
"Georgia originally announced Ledbetter was suspended for the Sept. 3 season opener against North Carolina for a first-time violation of Georgia’s drug and alcohol policy, but head coach Kirby Smart said later a decision would be made closer to game time. Under Georgia’s Athletic Association policy, a DUI calls for immediate suspension from athletic competition, pending review by the Comprehensive Action Plan Committee, and the committee could recommend suspension, reduction in aid or dismissal from the team.Also according to the athletic association, the competition suspension for a first DUI will be no less than 20 percent of the total sport season."
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Here’s the kicker for Kirby and the Georgia Bulldogs: according to Seth Emerson of DawgNation, “This is the seventh known arrest of a Georgia football player since March 20, and the eighth since Smart took over. Three players (Ledbetter, Chad Clay and Chauncey Rivers) accounting for six of the arrestes. Clay and Rivers have since been dismissed.” Is Ledbetter next?