Since Georgia last played a game, running back James Cook has been in the news for the wrong reasons as the sophomore was arrested in Athens for possession of an open alcoholic container beverage while driving and driving without a valid license.

According to the arresting officer, Cook’s vehicle smelled of marijuana but none could be found. Cook allegedly told police there was no marijuana to be found because he had smoked it all.

That’s not exactly the best thing to say to a police officer but that was apparently good enough for Kirby Smart as Cook will play in Georgia’s upcoming Sugar Bowl, the coach announced on Friday.

According to Smart, Cook passed a drug test, allowing him to play in the Sugar Bowl against Baylor. It’s unclear what would have happened to Cook if he had failed the test.

Cook finished the season has 176 rushing yards and 132 receiving yards.

For some reason, Smart would not indicate whether Georgia running back Brian Herrien or defensive lineman Tyler Clark made the trip to New Orleans with the Bulldogs. Cook’s availability becomes all the more important for the Bulldogs against Baylor with Herrien’s status unclear at this time.