ATHENS, GA — A former UGA wide receiver and NFL Draft hopeful is facing multiple charges after refusing to not block a public sidewalk outside a bar, media reports say.
The incident happened sometime over the weekend near East Clayton Street, CBS News reported. Authorities arrested Zachariah Branch outside an Athens bar, where patrons were being denied entry, the news outlet reported.
Officers demanded people not block the sidewalks, but Branch "refused to comply with these lawful orders," police told CBS News.
Branch was arrested on charges of obstructing public sidewalks/streets - prowling and obstruction of a law enforcement officer, ESPN reported. After spending around 2 hours in jail, Branch posted a $39 bond, the news outlet reported.
He was reportedly in town to attend a University of Georgia football game during which his brother played.
The two brothers transferred from the University of Southern California to UGA in 2025 after two seasons at the Los Angeles university, CBS News reported.
Of the 14 games Branch played with the Georgia Bulldogs last season, the Las Vegas native started in 10. He was also named to the SEC Coaches All-SEC Second Team and Third Team.
Branch was reportedly expected to be a second-round NFL Draft pick after his declaration in January. The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday-Saturday in Pittsburgh.
Patch has reached out to authorities for more information.
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