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January 21, 2008

2 UGA players suspended after alcohol-related arrests

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Two Georgia players were suspended for the team’s season-opening game against Georgia Southern following their arrests on alcohol-related charges.

Defensive back Donavon Baldwin and fullback Fred Munzenmaier were booked into the Clarke County Jail early Sunday.

Both backup players were given a minimum one-game suspension. In addition to missing the Aug. 30 game against Georgia Southern, the two will be assigned community service and also will have internal discipline.

Baldwin, who will be a junior in 2008, was arrested by University of Georgia police for driving under the influence of alcohol and improper driving.

Munzenmaier, a sophomore, was arrested by Athens-Clarke County police for underage possession or consumption of alcohol and pedestrian walking on the road.

“They know better, and I’m disappointed in both of them,” coach Mark Richt said in a statement Sunday night. “They will have to pay a price, but it’s unfortunate the rest of the team will also have to suffer for their poor judgment.”

The Athens Banner-Herald reported Munzenmaier was arrested after he was seen on an Athens street waving his arms. According to the incident report, the officer slammed on his brakes to avoid running over him.

The officer asked Munzenmaier for his ID and noticed a strong smell of alcohol. Munzenmaier said he thought he was flagging down a taxi.

Munzenmaier told the officer it was obvious the police have it “out for them,” according to the report, and that police have a point system for athletes.

Munzenmaier later used an expletive to tell the officer to shut his mouth, according to the report.

Baldwin was arrested by University of Georgia police and was released at 5:59 a.m. on bonds totaling $2,000. Munzenmaier was released at 6:04 a.m. on $750 in bonds.

Munzenmaier played in 10 games and scored a rushing touchdown against Ole Miss. Baldwin did not record a tackle while playing on special teams in eight games.

Linebacker Akeem Hebron was suspended from the university for the fall semester after twice being arrested for underage possession in the spring.

Tight end Tripp Chandler and quarterback Blake Barnes were arrested on alcohol-related charges while walking on Lumpkin Street last June and drew one-game suspensions.

Also on Saturday night, former Georgia safety Terreal Bierria was arrested by Athens-Clarke police for DUI and speeding. Bierria, who is listed in the university’s student directory, was a fourth-round pick by Seattle in 2002. He was cut in 2005.

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