Georgia LB Natrez Patrick enters drug treatment, will not play in Rose Bowl
Georgia will be without linebacker Natrez Patrick in the Rose Bowl against Oklahoma.
Patrick, a starter at middle linebacker, was arrested after the SEC title game for possession of marijuana. That charge was dismissed, but the run-in prompted a drug test per the conditions of his probation that stemmed from previous arrests for marijuana. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Patrick failed the drug test.
As a result, his lawyer confirmed to multiple outlets Thursday that Patrick has entered a treatment program.
Georgia linebacker Natrez Patrick admitted Thursday that he violated his probation by failing a pair of positive drug tests, documents revealed Thursday. However, in lieu of 30 days jail time, the former Mays High standout agreed to enter an inpatient drug rehabilitation program in Augusta. He will not play in the Rose Bowl per his attorney Billy Healan.
Had Patrick, who had a hearing Thursday, not agreed to enter treatment, he would have faced 30 days in jail for violating his probation. Per UGASports.com, Patrick’s failed drug test “showed evidence of opiates and alcohol.”
Patrick’s hearing was Thursday following his arrest along with teammate Jayson Stanley for a misdemeanor possession of marijuana charge on the night of Dec. 2 after Georgia’s win over Auburn in the SEC Championship.
Although those charges were dropped, the arrest triggered a University drug test, which he passed before failing a subsequent test by Athens-Clarke County on Dec. 6. A second test by Athens-Clarke County on Dec. 19, as a result of the probation for his October arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession, showed evidence of opiates and alcohol.
Patrick’s Dec. 2 arrest was his third during his time at Georgia. He was also investigated for using marijuana in his dorm room last October, but was cleared. His arrest in October 2017 resulted in a four-game suspension this season.
Patrick, a junior, appeared in nine games this season, making seven starts. During that span, he totaled 35 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. In 21 games played over the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Patrick combined for 81 tackles.
– – – – – – –
Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
