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Monday, March 8, 2010

Mettenberger Arrested on Alcohol Charges

Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger was arrested over the weekend in Remerton on five charges including underage consumption, disorderly conduct and possession of a fake I.D.

Mettenberger was arrested at approximately 1:39 a.m. Sunday outside of a local restaurant called Flip Flops and was taken to the Lowndes County Jail.

Mettenberger, a freshman, is competing with fellow freshman Aaron Murray and rising junior Logan Gray for the starting quarterback job this spring. Although spring practice began last Thursday, Georgia’s players are on spring break for the next week and will not return to work until March 16.

Georgia’s Athletics Association mandates a minimum one-game suspension for any players found guilty of an alcohol-related violation, which could cost Mettenberger a chance to play in the team’s opener against Louisiana-Lafayette on Sept. 4.

Georgia officials said head coach Mark Richt was aware of Mettenberger’s arrest and was still getting details on the incident. He was not likely to announce any punishment immediately.

Mettenberger redshirted last season but offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said the strong-armed quarterback had made impressive strides since arriving in Athens last spring and was contender for the starting job left open following the graduation of Joe Cox.

“He’s improved tremendously and a lot has to do with getting himself in good physical condition,” Bobo said. “He’s always going to be a big boy. He’s always going to weight around 240. But being in good physical shape where he doesn’t get tired and his legs get tired – he’s never going to be the fastest or the quickest guy, but if he’s in good shape and good condition, he’ll be able to improve his foot quickness.”

Mettenberger played in high school at nearby Oconee County High School.

11 comments:

j.leonardjr said...

FIRST!!! Oh sorry. Thought I was on the AJC website.

As Mett gains experience he learn to avoid mistakes like this. I don't think a third year college student makes this gaffe. He will learn to spend Spring Break in places like Panama City, Destin, Dayton, South Padre Island, or Ft. Lauderdale where everyone drinking is underage and your odds of getting busted drop dramatically. Where is the UGA travel agent tutor responsible for allowing Mett to book his Spring Break in the Valdosta area? Seems Richt needs to make more staff changes.

Andy said...

What a dumb move. Whatever small chance he had of winning the job is now gone. My guess is that Richt/Bobo will allow the "competition" to go through the spring, and then name Murray the starter before the G-Day game. Coaches always like to keep competitions open to push the candidates to get better.

King Jericho said...

I think he was framed. It just doesn't add up. Spring breaking in Remerton? Nice try. Conspiracy I tells ya!

FreshmanDawg said...

My theory is that cops initially picked him up because he matched the description of Ben Roethlisberger.

Anonymous said...

what a dumb ass...hope he's happing being relegated to scout team...

Anonymous said...

He sure made the QB decision easy. Maybe he was checking out Valdosta State, where he should now probably transfer to.

Anonymous said...

Murray congratulations on being named starter. Now be smart about were you decide to party and learn from the idiots that have gone before you and continue to go before you. Sick and tired of winning the Fulmer Cup every offseason, seems like that's the only championship we can compete on a regular basis

EastCobbDawg said...

Valdosta?, who makes a stop to get hammered in Valdosta on the way to Spring Break? I know this is serious but I just keep getting that "My Cousin Vinny" vibe, with the 'two utes' and Mr. Gambini defending in a Prom tux.

Anonymous said...

First don’t knock Valdosta has a place to hang out. A couple of Spring times before this Kwame Brown got arrested there too – Good Times for all!!!! (I guess he was looking for a team.)

Also, growing up in Valdosta, playing BB @ the old Pony League field there in Remerton, I can tell you Remerton police are extremely notorious for arrest/ speeders/ especially w college students - after all they need to staff the Remerton Depart. Remerton Police & college students = Long Co Sheriff and Northern cars passing thru!

BZ said...

I'm from south Georgia and have been to the same bar Flip Flops the Mett was arrested at. The police there are horrible. They really do go out looking for someone to arrest instead of letting college kids be college kids. I hate it had to be one of our guys that was made an example of that night. Good luck Zack!!

Todd said...

BZ- I sure hope the police are out there looking for people who break the law, because that's what they're trained and paid to do. Mett broke the law and now he'll pay dearly. I personally hope the kid learns from his mistake, takes whatever punishment he gets, and grows from this experience. I don't think his career is over, but it's a big setback.