State prosecutors have dropped criminal charges against Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who was arrested April 19 in Athens, Georgia, on two misdemeanors for allegedly not following a police officer's commands.
Branch's attorney, Kim Stephens, told ESPN on Wednesday that Georgia state prosecutors reviewed the evidence, including videos of the incident, and dismissed the charges.
"Zachariah cooperated fully with law enforcement and did not commit a crime on the night of his arrest and never should have been arrested," Stephens said. "We are glad this matter is over and that Mr. Branch's excellent reputation and good name [are] restored."
Branch, 22, had faced misdemeanor charges of obstructing public sidewalks/streets-prowling and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. He was arrested around 1:30 a.m. ET when an Athens-Clarke County police officer alleged that Branch failed "to comply with multiple verbal lawful commands" to not block a public sidewalk. Police had responded to a call that a large crowd had gathered outside a bar.
Branch, who was a third-round pick by the Falcons in the NFL draft, had attended Georgia's spring football game earlier in the day before his arrest. His brother, Zion Branch, is a safety for the Bulldogs.
Last season, Branch set Georgia's single-season record with 81 receptions after transferring from USC. He also had 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
