Ben Cleveland, a lineman for the Ravens, was arrested in Georgia for DUI: What we currently know
The NFL is no stranger to off-field issues, and every year the league faces controversies involving its players, from legal issues to personal conduct violations. Recently, Ben Cleveland, a lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, has become the subject of a disturbing incident that has sparked widespread attention. Cleveland, a powerful and versatile player on the Ravens’ offensive line, was arrested in Georgia for driving under the influence (DUI). This arrest has raised concerns not just about Cleveland’s behavior but also about the potential ramifications for his career, the Ravens’ roster, and the wider NFL community.
In this article, we will explore the details of Cleveland’s arrest, the legal ramifications of a DUI charge, the possible impact on his future with the Ravens, and the broader implications for his personal and professional life. Additionally, we will look at the Ravens’ organizational response to the situation, how Cleveland’s arrest fits into the ongoing narrative surrounding player conduct, and what steps Cleveland might take to resolve this matter and get back on track.
Who Is Ben Cleveland?
Before diving into the specifics of the arrest, it’s important to understand who Ben Cleveland is and why his career is significant. Cleveland, a 6’6” 357-pound offensive lineman, was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Prior to his NFL career, Cleveland played college football at the University of Georgia, where he was a standout offensive lineman for the Bulldogs.
Cleveland’s size and strength made him an ideal prospect for the Ravens, known for their powerful running game and emphasis on physicality in the trenches. During his college career at Georgia, Cleveland became known for his dominant run-blocking and his ability to protect the quarterback in the pocket. He was a key player on Georgia’s offensive line, which helped the team secure a national championship in 2021, and was recognized for his hard work and commitment to the team.
Once drafted, Cleveland quickly earned the trust of the Ravens’ coaching staff. He became an important part of the Ravens’ offensive line rotation, contributing both as a starting player and in reserve roles, depending on the matchup. His powerful frame and aggressive playing style made him an asset for the Ravens, a team that has relied heavily on its run game and offensive line to create success on offense.
However, Cleveland’s promising career has now been temporarily derailed by his recent arrest, raising questions about his future in the NFL.
The Arrest: Details of the DUI Incident
Ben Cleveland’s arrest occurred on March 2025 in Athens, Georgia, his home state. According to the Georgia State Patrol, Cleveland was stopped by law enforcement officers after being observed driving erratically in his vehicle. Upon pulling Cleveland over, the officers reportedly detected signs of intoxication and subsequently administered a field sobriety test, which Cleveland allegedly failed. He was then arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), a charge that carries serious legal and professional consequences in the NFL.
The details of the arrest have raised concern not only due to the DUI itself but also because it appears to be part of a pattern of behavior that could indicate deeper personal issues. While the legal process is still ongoing and Cleveland has yet to be formally charged in court, the arrest itself has already made waves, and the Ravens organization is likely to take a close look at the situation before determining next steps.
In Georgia, DUI is considered a serious offense, and the penalties for a conviction can include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education classes, and even potential jail time in extreme cases. For Cleveland, these penalties could impact both his ability to play in the NFL and his standing with the Ravens. The severity of the consequences will largely depend on the outcome of his legal proceedings and whether Cleveland takes the necessary steps to address the situation.
What Are the Legal Ramifications of a DUI Charge?
A DUI charge is one of the most serious legal matters an NFL player can face, as it has both criminal and professional implications. A DUI conviction could lead to multiple penalties, including:
- Fines: In Georgia, a DUI conviction can result in fines of up to $1,000, depending on the specifics of the case. Cleveland could face these fines if he is convicted of DUI.
- License Suspension: A DUI conviction typically leads to a temporary suspension of the driver’s license. This could make it difficult for Cleveland to travel to and from practices, team meetings, and games, creating a logistical challenge for both him and the Ravens.
- Jail Time: While jail time is not always a guaranteed consequence for a first-time DUI offense in Georgia, it is a possibility. For a first offense, the jail sentence could be up to one year, though this may be reduced depending on the judge’s decision and whether Cleveland is able to fulfill any court-ordered programs such as community service or alcohol counseling.
- Probation: Cleveland could be placed on probation, meaning he would be required to meet certain conditions set by the court. This could include regular check-ins with a probation officer, alcohol counseling, and other requirements. Violating the terms of probation could result in harsher penalties, including jail time.
- Alcohol Education Programs: As part of a DUI conviction, Cleveland would likely be required to attend an alcohol education program designed to address substance abuse issues. These programs are mandatory in most DUI cases and can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the court’s decision.
From an NFL perspective, player conduct policies also come into play when an athlete is arrested for DUI. The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy governs how the league deals with players involved in legal incidents, including DUIs. A player found guilty of DUI may face disciplinary action from the league, such as a suspension or a fine, even if the case does not result in criminal conviction or jail time. The NFL’s disciplinary actions are often determined by factors like the player’s history, the severity of the incident, and whether the player demonstrates remorse and a commitment to rehabilitation.
For Cleveland, his legal case is still pending, but his future with the Ravens and in the league could be affected depending on the severity of the charges and how the legal proceedings unfold.
Impact on the Ravens and Cleveland’s Career
The Ravens are a well-respected organization, and they pride themselves on maintaining a high standard of player conduct. Head coach John Harbaugh has built a culture of discipline, accountability, and team-first mentality, and any player who tarnishes that reputation is subject to scrutiny. Cleveland’s arrest presents the team with a dilemma, as the Ravens must balance their commitment to the player and his career with the need to maintain a positive public image.
The Ravens’ front office and coaching staff will likely evaluate Cleveland’s legal situation carefully before making any decisions. If the DUI charge leads to a conviction or a significant legal penalty, the team could be forced to make a tough decision about his future. The Ravens may choose to release Cleveland or place him on a suspension, pending the outcome of the legal process. If Cleveland’s legal battles take a prolonged period of time, the Ravens may need to move forward with their roster without him.
On the other hand, if Cleveland is able to clear his name or if the legal proceedings are resolved in his favor, the Ravens may choose to retain him on the roster. Cleveland has shown promise as a young lineman with a lot of potential, and his physicality is something the Ravens would not want to lose unless absolutely necessary.
Regardless of the outcome, Cleveland will likely need to take steps to address his personal issues and demonstrate that he is committed to moving forward in a positive direction. This could include attending alcohol counseling, participating in community service, and showing remorse for his actions. These steps would be crucial for Cleveland’s long-term success, both in the NFL and in his personal life.
Broader Implications for the NFL
Cleveland’s arrest highlights a broader issue that continues to plague the NFL: the question of how the league deals with off-field issues and player conduct. DUI arrests, domestic violence incidents, drug use, and other off-field controversies have become a common theme for the league, and the NFL’s response to these matters has often been criticized as inconsistent or lenient.
While Cleveland’s DUI arrest is just one instance of many, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by athletes who live under constant public scrutiny. The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy is designed to address these concerns, but there is often a sense that the league’s disciplinary actions are not always strong enough to make a real impact. For Cleveland, the league’s response will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and other players.
 What’s Next for Ben Cleveland?
Ben Cleveland’s DUI arrest has placed his career and future with the Baltimore Ravens in jeopardy. While the legal proceedings are still ongoing, the arrest has created a challenging situation for the Ravens, who must determine the best course of action moving forward. Cleveland’s reputation, both as a player and as an individual, could be impacted depending on the outcome of the case, and the NFL may also impose its own disciplinary measures.
For Cleveland, the path forward will require a commitment to addressing his personal issues, meeting his legal obligations, and demonstrating that he is ready to move forward as both a professional athlete and a responsible individual. The Ravens, for their part, will be closely monitoring the situation and making decisions based on the facts and how Cleveland handles this challenging moment in his career.
Ultimately, the impact of Cleveland’s arrest on his future will depend on the legal outcomes, the Ravens’ decision-making, and Cleveland’s own actions in the coming months. As the case develops, all
eyes will be on Cleveland, the Ravens, and the NFL to see how this situation unfolds.
