Pittsburgh Steelers’ Receiver Holmes to be Charged with Possession of Marijuana
It is being reported today that Pittsburgh Steelers’ receiver Santonio Holmes is to be charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana. The marijuana was apparently discovered by Pittsburgh Police when they stopped Holmes' SUV. The police apparently stopped Holmes' SUV because it matched a description of another vehicle that was suspected of transporting large sums of drugs. The reports indicated that Holmes was allegedly in possession of a small amount of marijuana found inside some cigars. The reports further indicate that the charge carries a sentence of up to one year in jail but usually only results in either a fine or probation. In New York, Holmes probably would have only been charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Unlawful possession of marijuana (UPM) is not a crime in New York and the maximum fine is one hundred dollars. Holmes may have an argument that the stop was unlawful. If the stop is found to have been unlawful, the marijuana found inside the vehicle should be suppressed and the case dismissed. The bigger question is what sanctions will be imposed-if any- by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. I certainly would not mind seeing him suspended for Sunday's game against the New York Giants seeing how he is Pittsburgh second leading receiver this year. Charges are merely accusations and a person is innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
