Georgia Bulldogs safety Ja’Marley Riddle became the latest college football player to be arrested during the offseason. Riddle was arrested on May 8 and faces two felony drug possession charges, along with a misdemeanor speeding charge.
Law enforcement officers caught Riddle speeding on Interstate 95.
Why Was Georgia Safety Ja’Marley Riddle Charged?
According to ESPN, Ja’Marley Riddle was charged with “purchase, possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of marijuana, and sale of a schedule I or II controlled substance.”
The safety posted bond for all three charges.
According to officials, Riddle’s red Dodge Durango was traveling at a speed over 95 mph. Upon being stopped, the safety appeared “extremely nervous, shaking.” While the officer was checking the registration details, a strong smell of marijuana allegedly emanated from the car.
“Because of his nervous behavior, I asked him to step out of the vehicle while we continued the traffic stop,” the officer said in his report.
The police report also states that Riddle consented to the car being checked in the first place. The officer found a “large heat-sealed bag” in the backseat, which had “a large amount of multicolored packaging, some with a leafy substance stating marijuana, and some containing vapes stating THC.”
In the wake of Riddle’s arrest, the Bulldogs released the following 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.”
Apart from Riddle, multiple Georgia players have been pulled up for violations in the recent past. During the 2025 offseason, freshmen Dontrell Glover and Bo Walker were arrested in unrelated shoplifting cases.
Riddle was expected to play a key role on the Bulldogs’ roster in 2026. He transferred from East Carolina, where he recorded a massive season. The safety registered 70 tackles, three interceptions, six pass breakups and four tackles for loss. His breakout final season with the Pirates earned first-team All-AAC honors.
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