Ben Cleveland, born August 25, 1998, in Toccoa, Georgia, is an NFL offensive lineman who played for the Baltimore Ravens from 2021 to 2024. Nicknamed “Big Country” for his 6-foot-6, 343-pound frame, Cleveland was a standout at the University of Georgia, earning First-Team All-SEC honors and Associated Press Third-Team All-American recognition in 2020. Drafted by the Ravens in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, he appeared in 54 games, primarily as a backup guard, and earned praise for key plays, like blocking a 52-yard field goal attempt in a 2024 win over Washington. Off the field, Cleveland’s life took a turbulent turn in early 2025, marked by a DUI arrest and a divorce filing, casting a shadow over his promising career.
Details of the Arrest
On February 12, 2025, Cleveland was arrested in Milledgeville, Georgia, on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). According to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy pulled over Cleveland’s black Ford F-250 around 10:25 PM after observing it swerving and nearly veering into a ditch. The officer noted the smell of alcohol and Cleveland’s glossy eyes. Cleveland admitted to consuming “approximately three to four beers” at a local country club earlier that evening. A field sobriety test indicated impairment, and a breathalyzer registered a blood alcohol content of 0.178, more than double Georgia’s legal limit of 0.08. He received two citations: one for DUI and one for failure to maintain lane. Jail booking records did not list an attorney, and no immediate comment was provided by Cleveland or the Ravens.
Case Proceedings
As of June 2025, the DUI case remains unresolved, with no publicly available court documents indicating a trial date or disposition. The case is likely still pending in Baldwin County, Georgia, where Cleveland was charged. In Georgia, a first-offense DUI can result in penalties including fines up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, community service, and license suspension, though outcomes vary based on plea deals and circumstances. The lack of updates suggests the case may be in pretrial stages, potentially involving negotiations or awaiting a court appearance. The NFL has not announced disciplinary actions, but under its conduct policy, a first-offense DUI typically leads to a three-game suspension without pay, pending legal resolution.
Case Resolution
Compounding his legal troubles, Cleveland filed for divorce from his wife, Kaitlyn Terrell Cleveland, on February 28, 2025, just 16 days after his arrest. The filing, submitted in Baldwin County, cited “adultery” as the reason for the split, with the couple’s separation dated around December 29, 2024. Married since July 2022, the couple had no children, and the divorce documents did not mention the DUI. The divorce case also remains pending, with no further filings reported as of March 2025. Kaitlyn, a digital creator and former employee of an online clothing store, has not publicly commented, nor has Cleveland.
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Where Are They Now?
As of June 2025, Cleveland, now 26, is a free agent after his rookie contract with the Ravens expired. His DUI arrest and divorce filing have drawn attention, with posts on X reflecting fan disappointment and speculation about his NFL future. He has not spoken publicly about the incidents, and his social media presence is minimal. The unresolved legal case could impact his prospects as teams evaluate character and reliability in free agency. Cleveland resides in Georgia, where he grew up, and his next steps—both legally and professionally—remain uncertain.
Cleveland’s situation highlights the challenges athletes face when personal missteps collide with public scrutiny. A single incident like a DUI can jeopardize contracts and endorsements, especially for a player on the cusp of free agency. For young athletes, his case underscores the need for responsible decision-making and legal support to navigate consequences. As Cleveland awaits his day in court, his story serves as a reminder that talent alone cannot shield one from life’s pitfalls.