Smart says Patrick has learned from Rivers' mistakes

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Kirby Smart said Monday night that he “hates it” that Chauncey Rivers will no longer be part of the Georgia football program,but he takes solace that linebacker Natrez Patrick has apparently learned his lesson.

It was Patrick who was arrested along with Rivers back in early November on charges of misdemeanor marijuana possession, and was in the car with the former defensive end when he was arrested a second time in November, resulting in what at the time was a four-game suspension for Rivers.

No charges were filed against Patrick, although the incident put the former Mays standout in a precarious situation as far as his future was concerned.

But that was then.

Prior to Monday’s UGA alumni meeting at the DeSoto Hilton in downtown Savannah, Smart said that Patrick – a projected starter at inside linebacker – is doing everything he can to make his head coach proud.

“Natrez has done a good job of doing everything we’ve asked him to do,” Smart said. “He had to make some changes in his life and he had to make some better decisions. Chauncey’s situation has been tough on Natrez because they’re close friends and he saw what Chauncey has gone through since the two of them went through it together.”

Rivers was arrested by DeKalb County police Wednesday and charged with a felony violation of Georgia’s Controlled Substance Act, plus charges of possessing less than an ounce of marijuana, parking in a disabled parking space and keeping drugs in a container.

Georgia's three-strike policy resulted in Rivers automatically being kicked off the football team.

“He (Patrick) realizes it’s a little bit of a shock factor. Chauncey’s not with us anymore and had Natrez continued to make bad decisions he might be in the same boat,” Smart said. “He’s made better decisions. He’s just got to continue to do that.”

Although Rivers will no longer be part of the program, Smart said Georgia will continue to help him however they can.

“I hate it for Chauncey first and foremost. He was trying to do the right things,” Smart said. “We were providing him help and we will continue to do that, providing assistance. He’s just going to have to play somewhere else.”