UGA linebacker arrested on marijuana charge
Georgia outside linebacker Natrez Patrick was arrested late Thursday night on a misdemeanor possession of marijuana charge.
Patrick was booked into Athens-Clarke County Jail at 11:37 p.m. and posted bail at 12:25 a.m. He was charged with possessing less than an ounce of marijuana and for a parking violation. His total bond was $1,500.
According to a police report, Patrick unlawfully parked his car with the flashers on at a convenience store in Downtown Athens. When Patrick came out of the store and told the officer it was his car, he was told to retrieve his identification from his wallet inside the vehicle.
Upon opening the car, the officer said he smelled an odor resembling marijuana coming from it. The officer asked Patrick if he there was marijuana in the vehicle, to which Patrick replied there wasn't.
The officer then looked inside the vehicle and stated he saw "numerous small pieces of marijuana." The officer began to search the vehicle, with Patrick ultimately instructing that there was marijuana in the center console.
The vehicle was later turned over to UGA director of player programs Bryant Gantt following Patrick's arrest.
This is Patrick's second marijuana-related arrest since coming to Georgia. Two years ago as a freshman, Patrick was arrested for marijuana possession and was suspended for a game. According to the UGA student-athlete handbook, Patrick faces a four-game ban, which should begin Saturday against Vanderbilt.
Head coach Kirby Smart hasn't commented much on suspensions. But assuming this applies to the handbook, it would place Patrick on a return for Georgia's game against Auburn on Nov. 11.
With Reggie Carter sidelined due to an undisclosed injury, Juwan Taylor could be the next inside linebacker up for playing time. Freshman Monty Rice could also see some added playing time in Patrick's absence.
Patrick has started every game this season and has tied for a team third-best 17 tackles.
This story was originally published October 6, 2017 at 7:23 AM with the headline "UGA linebacker arrested on marijuana charge ."