BALTIMORE, Md. — Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Ben Cleveland, a former Stephens County Indian and standout Georgia Bulldog, has been suspended three games without pay for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, the league announced Monday.
Cleveland, 27, was arrested in Georgia in February on DUI charges after police reported he failed to maintain his lane. According to an incident report obtained by ESPN, he recorded a .178 blood alcohol content, more than double the legal limit of .08. He was cited for DUI and failure to drive within a single lane. Cleveland later received probation as part of a plea deal, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.
The Ravens re-signed Cleveland to a one-year deal shortly after the incident, though he has been a healthy scratch for the past three weeks.
A Local Star’s Journey
Cleveland’s career has been closely followed in Northeast Georgia, where he rose from small-town standout to major collegiate and professional lineman.
- Stephens County High School (Toccoa, GA): Cleveland became one of the state’s most highly recruited offensive linemen from 2012–2015, helping lead the Indians to consistent playoff appearances.
- University of Georgia: He went on to star for the Bulldogs, earning First-Team All-SEC honors and making the AP All-America Third Team in his final season.
- 2021 NFL Draft: The Baltimore Ravens selected Cleveland in the third round (94th overall). The team was reportedly so high on him that they considered trading up to secure the pick.
Over five seasons in Baltimore, Cleveland has appeared in 64 games, making seven starts. While mostly serving in a reserve role, he has been a trusted depth piece on the offensive line during his tenure with head coach John Harbaugh.
Ravens in a Tight Spot
The suspension comes at a challenging time for Baltimore. The Ravens, currently 6–7, sit outside the AFC playoff picture following a Week 14 home loss to the Steelers. Cleveland’s absence further strains the team’s depth as they push toward the postseason.
A Community Still Watching
Cleveland’s story remains significant to Stephens County and Toccoa, where many continue to follow his career closely. His rise from local high school star to Georgia Bulldog standout and ultimately to the NFL remains a point of pride in the region.
The suspension does not end his season, but it marks a serious setback as Cleveland works to reestablish himself within the Ravens organization.
Baltimore has not issued additional public comment on the suspension.
