UGA’s Ledbetter receives suspension, expresses remorse for arrest

Georgia defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter has been suspended for the Bulldogs’ 2016 season opener against North Carolina.

It is punishment for his arrest over the weekend, which involved charges for underage consumption of alcohol and possession of a fake ID after being spotted by a police officer near an Athens night club.

Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart made the punishment, which is in compliance with the university’s guidelines for first-time offenses to its drug-alcohol policy, official following Tuesday’s practice, according to Georgia beat writer Marc Weiszer.

“Jonathan made a huge mistake,” Smart said. “He embarrassed himself, he embarrassed our team, his family and our family. I’m really disappointed in Jonathan. He knows that we can’t have that behavior. You’re held to a higher standard when you come to the University of Georgia and he should know that.”

Weiszer also reports that Smart said that Ledbetter addressed team and was “very remorseful” for what he had done.

Ledbetter sent a Tweet out on Tuesday evening expressing that remorse:

Apologies to the Bulldog Nation, my teammates, coaches, and family. I made a mistake and will give my best to UGA from here on out. ??

— Jon Ledbetter ™ (@LedbetterDE15) March 23, 2016

Nick Cole

Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.