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New details have emerged surrounding the arrest of former Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who faces two misdemeanor charges following a run-in with authorities just days before the NFL Draft.
Branch, who is a projected second-round pick, was arrested early Sunday morning in Athens, Georgia, and charged with two counts of obstruction of public sidewalks/streets: loitering and obstructing a law enforcement officer.
Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch celebrates after a touchdown catch against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Nov. 28, 2025. (Brett Davis/Image Images)
He was released after more than two hours in prison after paying $39 in bail.
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He NFL Network obtained the police report of Branch’s arrest, which described an encounter over an alleged sidewalk incident with police, in which police alleged the former Bulldogs star failed to “comply with multiple lawful verbal commands.”
“A man, later identified as Zacharia Branch, continued to stand on the sidewalk without attempting to move. I continued to give Zacharia Branch verbal commands to stop blocking the sidewalk and advised him that if he did not do so, he would receive a citation for blocking the sidewalk,” the report excerpt reads.
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch runs during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on February 28, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Image Images)
TOP NFL Draft PICK ZACHARIAH BRANCH ARRESTED IN GEORGIA ON TWO COUNTS OF MISDEMEANORIES
“Zacharia Branch smiled, then stepped back and to the right, then remained standing on the public sidewalk, so as to obstruct, impede and impede free passage along the sidewalk, as well as impede free entry/exit to or from adjacent places of business,” the report continued.
“Due to those actions and Zacharia Branch’s failure to comply with multiple lawful verbal orders, he was placed under arrest for misdemeanor LEO obstruction and issued a citation for obstruction of public sidewalks.”
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch celebrates with wide receiver Colbie Young after scoring a touchdown during the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 1, 2026. Ole Miss defeated Georgia 39-34. (IMAGE)
Branch transferred after two seasons at Southern California and immediately became quarterback Gunner Stockton’s favorite target. He finished the season with 811 receiving yards and a team-high six receiving touchdowns.
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His status as a projected second-round pick was bolstered after an impressive performance at the combine, where he recorded a 4.35-second 40-yard dash.
