Perhaps some good will indeed come from Jonathan Ledbetter‘s latest brush with the law after all.
In the post right below this, we noted the details of Ledbetter’s second alcohol-related arrest in four months. Just shortly after that was posted, Georgia sent out a press release that included quotes from both the defensive lineman and first-year head coach Kirby Smart, with the former acknowledging he has “a problem” with alcohol and that he will “continue to receive additional treatment for this disease.”
“First I want to apologize to my family, my teammates and coaches, the University and the Bulldog Nation,” said Ledbetter in his statement. “I have a problem and have received an incredible amount of support and treatment through the Athletic Department for the problem. For that I am thankful. I ask for everyone’s support as I continue to receive additional treatment for this disease and work toward a healthy life.”
The release stated that Ledbetter will receive unspecified discipline stemming from the charges, which is expected to include at least a two-game suspension. Additionally, Ledbetter will be subject to “an intensified education, counseling, and medical assistance program.”
One thing the football program will not do, however, is dismiss the lineman from the team.
“Certainly we are disappointed and recognize he has a serious problem,” the statement from Smart began. “We have provided help for him previously and we are committed to providing whatever assistance is necessary for Jonathan that will contribute to immediate improvement but also ensure that his long-term well-being is secure.”
After playing in seven games as a true freshman in 2015, Ledbetter had been expected to compete for an increased role in the Bulldogs’ defensive line rotation this upcoming season.