The University of Georgia Bulldogs are set to take on the Oklahoma Sooners on New Years Day, but they will do it minus a player.
Linebacker Natrez Patrick entered a drug treatment program and will not play when the Bulldogs face the Sooners on Jan. 1 in the College Football Playoff. This is a result of a traffic stop that happened early December that found Patrick facing a misdemeanor drug charge.
Per Bleacher Report
According to Anthony Dasher of UGASports.com, Patrick’s hearing was Thursday, and he agreed to enter the rehabilitation program instead of spending 30 days in jail.
We resolved his probation violation today,” William Healan III, his attorney, said, per Schlabach. “Natrez is getting some treatment right now, and we’re glad we’ve put this behind him. We’re looking forward to his future.”
Healan also confirmed Patrick will not play in the Rose Bowl.
Patrick was facing potential dismissal from the team since he was also suspended as a freshman in 2015 for a marijuana arrest and was suspended four games following misdemeanor marijuana charges in October, according to Schlabach. However, sources told Schlabach that Patrick “can return to the team next season if he stays out of off-field trouble.”
Patrick tallied 35 tackles in his junior season as Georgia won the SEC title and reached the College Football Playoff. He finished with 59 last year.