Police Officer Remarks on Carson Beck During DUI Arrest
A police officer in Georgia made a remark about former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck while arresting one of Beck’s former teammates earlier this year, according to newly released police footage.
The incident occurred on February 12 in Milledgeville, where Ben Cleveland, an offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, was pulled over for allegedly driving a black Ford F-250 erratically.
During the stop, officers suspected Cleveland was under the influence and started discussing the NFL and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals while they awaited a breathalyzer test.
Cleveland mentioned his time with the Ravens, noting he was set to become a free agent after his rookie contract ended. He reminisced about playing at the University of Georgia from 2016 to 2020, some of that time alongside Beck, and expressed regret about missing NIL opportunities.
“Well, they’re making more money in the NIL than I thought I would make in the NFL,” he shared with the officers.
Cleveland pointed out the financial success Beck achieved through off-field contracts while at Georgia. The officer then criticized Beck’s focus, saying, “That’s what he was doing… He wasn’t worried about football because he was making money on his NIL contract.”
The officer added that this mindset could be “detrimental to the game,” a sentiment Cleveland seemed to echo by stating, “I can’t bear to watch college football right now.”
There was further commentary on Beck’s dealings, with the officer saying, “What hurt Carson this year was his dealings with NIL. Carson was more concerned about making money.”
Cleveland reportedly blew a .178 during the traffic stop and faced arrest for DUI. At the local jail, subsequent breathalyzer tests showed a .161. He received citations for driving under the influence and failure to maintain his lane.
This month, Cleveland pleaded guilty to DUI, resulting in probation and community service per court documents.
Despite legal troubles, Cleveland signed a one-year contract worth $1.17 million with the Ravens in March and has participated in ten games this season.
On a different note, Beck has been leading the Miami Hurricanes, achieving a record of 9-2 and rising to No. 13 in the College Football Playoff rankings.
