Sunny with gusty winds developing this afternoon. High 68F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..
Partly cloudy and windy this evening. Cloudy with diminishing winds late. Low 51F. W winds at 20 to 30 mph, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.
Updated: June 3, 2026 @ 11:05 am
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Prosecutors in Georgia have dropped two misdemeanor charges against Atlanta Falcons third-round draft pick Zachariah Branch.
The former Georgia player was arrested in Athens the weekend before the NFL draft and was charged with obstructing public sidewalks/streets and the obstruction of a law enforcement officer. He was released on a combined $39 bail.
At the time, the Athens-Clarke County Police said they were summoned to an early morning incident in which a large crowd had gathered outside a bar in Athens and was blocking the entrance to the building. Some people, a statement from the police said, were attempting to enter the bar that was closed.
Branch's attorney, Kim Stephens, issued a statement confirming that the charges had been dropped.
“After reviewing all evidence, including videos, and discussing the case with us, the State agreed to dismiss all charges against Mr. Branch yesterday. Zachariah cooperated fully with law enforcement and did not commit a crime on the night of his arrest, and never should have been arrested. We are glad this matter is over and that Mr. Branch’s excellent reputation and good name have been restored.”
The Falcons took Branch with the No. 79 overall pick in April.
He led the playoff-bound Bulldogs with 81 catches, 811 yards and six touchdown receptions in 2025. Branch and his brother, Zion, both transferred to Georgia from Southern California last year. Zion Branch was a safety for the Bulldogs.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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