It's been a whirlwind of a January for Georgia Bulldogs national championship quarterback Stetson Bennett. A few weeks after orchestrating the biggest blowout in national title game history, the 25-year-old was arrested on a charge of public intoxication in Dallas, perhaps indicating that his celebration is lasting the entire month.
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According to police, Bennett was banging on doors at 6:10 a.m. Central in the 1600 block of Tribeca Way, just 20 miles east of the Dallas Cowboys' stadium.
"The preliminary investigation found when officers arrived, they located the man, Stetson Bennett, 25, and determined he was intoxicated," the police statement read, via ESPN. "Bennett was taken into custody, transported to the City Detention Center and charged with public intoxication."
Hey, Bennett's nickname is the "mailman," after all. Maybe he was just doing his job. Bennett's arrest has prompted a flood of memes on the internet, some saying he should have never been in the state of Texas because he's wanted for the murder of TCU. Other users found a way to tie in his age.
Stetson Bennett would have been wise to stay out of Texas, he’s still wanted for the murder of TCU https://t.co/ipoeYYyk1G
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) January 29, 2023
Leave Stetson Bennett alone 😤
(via @karenehowell) pic.twitter.com/kcNg1pfF15
— DawgsHQ (@DawgsHQ) January 30, 2023
The Dallas Police showing TCU defense how to tackle Stetson Bennett pic.twitter.com/cEROaNV1Op
— Hillary Blows (@milk_waddah) January 29, 2023
Bennett just a few days ago declined his Senior Bowl invite to prepare for the NFL Scouting Combine and NFL Draft. He led Georgia to an undefeated 15-0 season after throwing for 4,127 yards and 27 touchdowns, cementing himself as one of the best passers in school history following back-to-back national championships.
If the past is any indicator, a 25-year-old's night with alcohol shouldn't affect where he's taken in the 2023 NFL Draft.
How His Arrest Affects His Draft Stock
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Six years ago, Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield was coming off a Heisman Trophy-winning season when he was arrested on charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and fleeing and resisting arrest, and it was caught on camera. He was sacked harder than any SEC defensive end hit him that season. Two months after that incident, Mayfield became the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns.
I wouldn't expect Bennett's incident — a lot less worse — to affect his draft stock that much. Many analysts see Bennett as a Day 2 or Day 3 selection, though Mel Kiper projects him as high as the third round. One night of stupidity isn't enough to scare teams from drafting Bennett. Even Johnny Manziel and his baggage went in the first round.
As for Bennett's image, well, he was already a walking meme. The internet has flamed him for everything from his age to his haircuts, and many college football fans haven't taken him seriously despite all that he accomplished at Georgia. I know he's older than some starting NFL quarterbacks, but we have to remember he just wrapped up his 37-year college career, and college kids are known to pound back a few.
So the final verdict from this writer: Maybe lay off the liquor next time, Stetson.
