Georgia football players Natrez Patrick and Jayson Stanley were arrested during a traffic stop in which Barrow County officers smelled the odor of marijuana on each player, according to the arrest report released on Monday.
Stanley was driving a car that was pulled over for speeding at 11:50 p.m. on Saturday night in Winder. Patrick was in the passenger seat. Stanley was eventually arrested for DUI, speeding and possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. Patrick was arrested for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.
Both players started in the SEC championship game on Saturday night. Patrick finished with three tackles, while Stanley didn’t have a catch but got snaps on offense and special teams.
Patrick has now been arrested three times for marijuana possession at UGA, and a third offense means automatic dismissal, according to the UGA student-athlete handbook. Head coach Kirby Smart, when asked about both Patrick and Stanley's status on Sunday afternoon, did not announce any discipline: "Natrez and Jayson, obviously I'm disappointed in some of the actions there. But we still don't have all the information completely in from that. So their discipline will be handled internally."
According to the report:
Stanley was pulled over when his car was clocked going 82 mph in a 65 zone going westbound on University Parkway. The car was “weaving back and forth within” its lane. The policeman put on his blue lights to signal to turn over, which the car did after only pulling over partly onto the shoulder.
When officer James Gann came to the driver’s side window, he “immediately smelled to (sic) over powering odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.” Stanley was instructed to turn the vehicle off and go to the rear of the car, where he was handcuffed and told he was being detained. Patrick was also told to get out of the car. No contraband was found on Stanley at the time.
A search of the car revealed a “small amount of suspected marijuana in the passenger seat,” as well as burnt marijuana inside a juice bottle in the passenger floorboard, and a small zip lock bag with what appeared to be marijuana “shake.” A further search found a “large marijuana bag” on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat.
The report states: “(Investigator) Gann could smell the strong odor of burnt Marijuana on the Passenger’s person. Inv. Gann checked the backseat of the patrol vehicle for contraband prior to placing the Passenger in the backseat of the patrol vehicle, none was found.”
Patrick was then placed under arrest for possession of marijuana less than one ounce.
The driver, later identified as Stanley, answered a question from the officer by stating he had smoke marijuana one hour before. Stanley agreed to take a blood and urine test. The report does not mention Patrick being asked to take one, or whether he was asked if he had smoked marijuana.
The two were transported to Barrow County detention center. Patrick was turned over to staff on duty, issued a citation for possession of marijuana less than one ounce. Stanley, after being administered the blood and urine tests, was issued citations for DUI-Drugs, speeding and possession of marijuana less than one ounce.
This is Stanley’s first known arrest. According to the UGA student-athlete handbook a DUI would lead to a two-game suspension for football players.
Patrick’s first arrest came two years ago as a freshman. He was arrested with then-teammate Chauncey Rivers, who was later dismissed after a third arrest. Patrick’s second arrest came this season, leading to a four-game suspension.
Initially when Patrick returned he came off the bench, with senior Reggie Carter replacing him as the starter for two games. But Patrick has started the past two games, and seven overall this season. He has 35 tackles, sixth on the team.
About the Author
