Georgia safety Ja'Marley Riddle arrested on speeding, felony drug charges

Georgia football safety Ja'Marley Riddle was arrested last week on charges of speeding and felony possession of controlled substances.

The incident continues a pattern of traffic violations among players under coach Kirby Smart. Issues escalated after a January 2023 car crash killed offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy following the 2022 national championship.

Police first obtained by WGIG 98.7 FM detail the May 8 stop on Interstate 95. An officer in an unmarked vehicle spotted Riddle, a transfer from East Carolina, driving a Dodge Durango at high speed. The officer alerted another down the road.

Riddle weaved in and out of traffic at about 95 mph, the report states. Officers smelled marijuana upon approach and noted he seemed extremely nervous.

Riddle denied having controlled substances but consented to a search. While checking the front driver's side, Officer R. Dinkins found a large heat-sealed bag in a backpack on the back seat. The backpack held multicolored packaging, some with a leafy marijuana substance and others with THC vapes.

Riddle faces felony charges for purchase, possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of marijuana, with bail at $4,258. A second felony charge covers a Schedule I or II controlled substance, with bail of $12,058. He also got a misdemeanor speeding ticket with $210 bail, which he posted along with the others.

The University of Georgia issued a statement: "We are aware of the charges and are actively gathering additional information. As this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not be providing further comment at this time."