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Report: UGA starting LB Natrez Patrick entering treatment for ‘personal issues’
By Cody McClure
Published:
Georgia linebacker Natrez Patrick has reportedly entered treatment for “personal issues.”
Patrick, who is a usual starter for the Bulldogs, was not at practice on Thursday, according to a DawgNation report from Seth Emerson.
Apparently, he resolved a recent probation violation stemming from a drug arrest by entering in-patient treatment.
“Natrez is receiving treatment for his personal issues and we look forward to the completion of that treatment so he can put this behind him,” Patrick’s lawyer, Billy Healen, reportedly said. “This resolves all his legal matters.”
Because of confidentiality reasons, Healen wasn’t able to to give a length of time for the treatment.
“Due to confidentiality requirements, we can’t comment, other than to say we continue to follow policies, and we have no higher priority than the well-being of our student-athletes,” UGA director of sports medicine Ron Courson echoed.
Patrick reportedly agreed to waive a hearing on Jan. 11, at which he would have answered to an allegation that he tested positive for marijuana — thus violating his probation.
Patrick was on probation after being arrested in October for misdemeanor marijuana possession. He had positive drug tests twice over the past three weeks, the DawgNation report indicated.
“A second test this past Tuesday also turned up positive, for what on court documents is listed as ‘opiates,’ as well as alcohol,” the report said.
Georgia is set to play Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.
Patrick reportedly will not play:
Natrez Patrick won’t play in the Rose Bowl per his attorney.
— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) December 21, 2017
Cody McClure is an SEC Football Writer for Saturday Down South. He lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he also co-hosts a midday sports radio show for FOX Sports. Cody previously worked for Athlon Sports.
