Sports

Criminal charges against UGA player arrested after SEC game dismissed

ATLANTA — Criminal charges against Georgia linebacker Natrez Patrick have been dismissed, according to ESPN.

Patrick was one of two UGA players arrested on misdemeanor marijuana charges on Dec. 3, hours after the SEC Championship Game.

Patrick's attorney released the following statement about the decision:

"Natrez Patrick's possession of marijuana was dismissed today. Mr. Patrick had been charged with possession of a loose piece of marijuana that was smaller than a penny. Jayson Stanley was the owner and driver of the vehicle in which marijuana was found. Mr. Stanley admitted ownership of the marijuana both on the scene and in court today. As Mr. Patrick did not have any marijuana on his person, there was no evidence to support the prosecution of Mr. Patrick, and the District Attorney had no choice but to dismiss the charge."

Patrick and wide receiver Jayson Stanley were arrested after a Barrow County sheriff’s deputy pulled their car over for speeding on Highway 316.

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The arrest was Patrick’s third drug-related arrest after being arrested for another misdemeanor drug charge earlier this season which led to suspension.

The district attorney's office also dropped DUI charges against Stanley during a hearing Thursday at Barrow County Probate Court.

Stanley agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor possession of marijuana and speeding, his attorney, Kevin Christopher, told ESPN.

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Patrick, a junior from Atlanta, was facing dismissal from the team as it was his third related drug arrest.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution contributed to this report.