Former Georgia quarterback and two-time national champion, Stetson Bennett was arrested for public intoxication. According to Dallas police, Bennett was taken under custody around 6 a.m. on Sunday after it was reported that he was pounding on doors of a neighborhood in Old East Dallas. This news couldn't come at a worse time for Bennett, the University of Georgia and Bulldog fans all over. What we thought was the end of one of the best underdog stories in college football is now possibly the beginning of a new story.
Why was Bennett in Dallas?
There's no concrete reason as to why Bennett was in Dallas last night. However, there has been speculation that he was training with QB trainers in preparation for the NFL Draft. Again, this is all speculation and there's just as good odds that Bennett was there still enjoying his second title in two years. I can't help but remember Bennett's hungover presence on Good Morning America last season after Georgia's first title since 1980.
Has the pressure been too much for Bennett?
Obviously, no one made Bennett drink too much after last year's title, neither did anyone this season. However, the hatred and doubt that many college football fans, analysts and coaches had for him over the course of his prolonged collegiate career has me raising this question. America tends to gravitate a feel good story, especially in sports. Many took exception to Bennett's behavior on and off the field, specifically after his best performances: the "call me" hand signal after his touchdown run against Tennessee, the gun show that he gave TCU on the sidelines after pumping the Frogs for 65 points, and his lack of regard for fans and media during Georgia's championship celebration; it's safe to say that many didn't like the story that he told. That being said, it's likely that his behavior in social situations and his excessive drinking falls back to the pressure that the entire country put on him to succeed. What's worse is that when he succeeded, America hated him even more.
Having met Bennett personally, it's easy for me to say that he is the most introverted star athlete that I have ever interacted with. he comes from a small city in Georgia and has never been one for the mic or camera. I think that the pedestal he was forced on has affected him in a way that most athletes don't experience. The national attention that Bennett has received from being on this pedestal is the likely reason for his recent behavior. He's not Mr. America, he's just a kid from Blackshear, GA.
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