Ben Cleveland, the Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman, was arrested last week in Milledgeville, Georgia, and the news of his arrest came as a shock to many fans.
Cleveland was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless driving.
The 26-year-old, who is well known for his 6-foot-6, 360-pound presence on the field, was pulled over on February 12 after police observed his erratic behavior while he was behind the wheels.
Details Of The Ben Cleveland Incident
According to reports, Ben Cleveland was stopped at approximately 10:25 p.m on February 12, while he was driving his Ford F-250. He was stopped after his vehicle was seen swerving between lanes and even nearly veered into a ditch at some point.
When he was questioned by the officers who stopped him, Ben Cleveland admitted to consuming “three to four beers.”Cleveland was then ordered to take a breathalyzer test.
When the results returned, the breathalyzer test revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .178—more than double the legal limit in Georgia.
Following this, Cleveland was taken into custody and cited for DUI and failure to maintain his lane before being released on a $1,000 bond early the following morning.
What Impact Will This Have On Ben Cleveland’s Career?
This is not the best time for Ben Cleveland to have any legal issues. This is because, this particular legal issue is coming at a critical juncture for Cleveland, who was drafted by the Ravens in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Despite appearing in all 17 games during the 2024 season, the lineman has yet to establish himself as a full-time starter. And so, with NFL free agency approaching, this arrest could influence how teams evaluate his off-field behavior and professional prospects.
The fact that he is now approaching free agency is more reason why his name should not be associated with any legal issues at all. The entire arrest incident could not have come at a more terrible time for Cleveland.
Concerns Over Georgia Football’s Off-Field Issues
Beyond Cleveland’s personal situation, his arrest now brings more attention to the ongoing concerns regarding the University of Georgia’s football program. Following the tragic 2023 car crash that claimed the lives of Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock and staffer Chandler LeCroy, multiple Georgia players and alumni have faced traffic-related arrests.
According to reports, over 25 students and at least seven former Bulldogs players have been cited for DUIs or other traffic violations, raising questions about the program’s approach to off-field discipline.
Head coach Kirby Smart has acknowledged the issue and introduced stricter policies, but incidents continue to surface, putting the program under increased scrutiny.
Potential NFL and Team Repercussions
The Baltimore Ravens have yet to issue an official statement on Ben Cleveland’s arrest. This has left fans wondering what is going to happen next to Ben Cleveland.
However, it is noteworthy that the NFL’s personal conduct policy allows for suspensions even in cases where a player is not convicted.
If the league or the Ravens decide to take disciplinary action, Cleveland could face additional consequences beyond his legal troubles.
What’s Next for Ben Cleveland?
As the NFL Draft and free agency period approach, teams will closely monitor the situation. Will Ben Cleveland face a suspension? Could this arrest impact his market value? And, more broadly, does this highlight deeper issues within Georgia’s football culture?
Time will tell. But, with the NFL offseason in full swing, these questions remain at the forefront of discussions surrounding Ben Cleveland’s future in professional football.
