Daniel Burnett, editor in chief of The Red & Black, submitted a letter of resignation Monday following  a violation of Sanford Stadium alcohol policy in the University President’s box during Saturday’s football game.

Burnett was invited to attend the event on behalf of the newspaper and was joined by Red & Black News Editor Mimi Ensley. In attendance were administrators and public figures such as Georgia Governor-elect Nathan Deal.

Administrators at the event declined to comment on the situation.

BURNETT

Burnett said he had been drinking alcohol up until 5:45 p.m. at a tailgate before the event.

He said that in the box he spoke to University President Michael Adams, Deal and Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Burnett said he was approached by an employee who asked to escort him out because it appeared Burnett had been drinking.

“It’s my understanding his behavior was disruptive enough to the point he was asked to leave,” said Meg Amstutz, executive assistant to the president.

Burnett said he responded, “Yeah, that’s fine,” before leaving without further confrontation.

“I think someone smelled the vodka,” Burnett said. “I was talking to people, I don’t believe I was being disruptive. But they have the right to escort anybody out. I don’t have a problem with that.”

Red & Black Publisher Harry Montevideo apologized to Adams in a letter sent on behalf of the organization.

“It is disappointing enough when young adults make bad choices, but when those actions then impact the integrity of the institution they represent, it makes an already bad decision that much worse,” he wrote. “I can only hope Daniel and the rest of our staff take away a valuable learning experience from this unfortunate incident — one that will surely haunt Daniel and The Red & Black for many years to come.”

Burnett said he regrets how the situation played out.

“I apologized. I made a mistake,” Burnett added. “But I never would have thought it would blow up to this.”