Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Ben Cleveland, known for his imposing presence on the field, has recently faced legal issues. On February 12, 2025, Cleveland was arrested in Milledgeville, Georgia, for driving under the influence (DUI) and failure to maintain lane discipline. This incident has raised concerns about his NFL career and future.
The Arrest Details
Reports indicate that the 26-year-old Cleveland was pulled over around 10:25 p.m. while driving his Ford F-250 truck. Authorities noticed the vehicle swerving and almost veering into a ditch, leading to the traffic stop. Cleveland confessed to consuming “3-4 beers” before driving. He failed a field sobriety test and had a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC)
of 0.178, more than double the legal limit of 0.08. After his arrest, a secondary breathalyzer test at the jail showed a BAC of 0.161. The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office issued citations for DUI and failure to maintain lane.
Early Life and College Career
Benjamin Keith Cleveland was born on August 25, 1998, in Toccoa, Georgia. Showing exceptional athletic abilities from a young age, he attended Stephens County High School where he stood out in both football and baseball. His outstanding skills on the football field attracted the interest of top college programs, and he committed to the University of Georgia before his junior year.
Cleveland redshirted his freshman year at Georgia in 2016. He became a key player in his redshirt freshman season, playing in all 15 games and starting the final five, including the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game. Despite dealing with injuries, Cleveland’s talent and determination led to him being named first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) and earning a third-team All-American honor from the Associated Press in his last season.
Professional Career with the Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens drafted Cleveland in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, selecting him with the 94th overall pick. At 6 feet 6 inches and 360 pounds, Cleveland’s size made him a formidable presence on the offensive line. During his four years with the Ravens, he played in 54 games, starting seven. In the 2024 season, Cleveland appeared in all 17 games, mostly in a backup role.
Despite his potential, Cleveland struggled to secure a consistent starting position. Analysts observed that he performed well when given the chance, but faced competition and team dynamics that limited his playing time.
As he entered free agency with his contract ending, a recent DUI arrest added further uncertainty to his professional future.
Implications of the Arrest
Cleveland’s arrest comes at a crucial time in his career as he enters free agency. Both his on-field performance and off-field behavior are now being closely examined by teams considering signing him. The NFL and its franchises prioritize player conduct, and incidents like DUIs can impact contract talks and team interest.
Additionally, the Baltimore Ravens, who have a reputation for maintaining a strong organizational culture, may need to reevaluate their relationship with Cleveland. How the team responds to this incident could establish a standard for dealing with similar issues in the future. Legal and Personal Repercussions.
Ben Cleveland is facing serious legal consequences following his DUI arrest in Georgia. A first-time DUI offense in the state can lead to fines, license suspension, mandatory counseling, and even jail time. The outcome of his
case will be influenced by factors such as legal representation and any prior offenses.
On a personal level, this incident is a pivotal moment for Cleveland. It offers him a chance to reflect on his actions and emphasizes the importance of personal accountability. It also highlights the potential impact of his behavior both on and off the football field.
Looking Ahead
The future of Cleveland’s NFL career is uncertain as the legal process unfolds. Teams may be hesitant to sign a player with ongoing legal issues, especially if there are concerns about his consistency and performance.
To rehabilitate his career and reputation, Cleveland must address these challenges directly, take responsibility for his actions, and commit to personal and professional growth.
In the competitive
world of professional sports, athletes are held to high standards, both in their performance and behavior. Ben Cleveland’s recent arrest serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with being in the spotlight and the consequences of failing to meet those expectations.