were cited for misdemeanor mar1juana possession when the car they were in was stopped early Friday. Stoudamire Wallace Washington State Patrol Lt. Marty Butler said the players and the driver were ticketed just after midnight near Centralia, Wash., about midway between Seattle and Portland. It is the second time this year Stoudamire has been charged with mar1juana possession. The first case is still pending. The team did not practice Friday, and neither player was available for comment. Trail Blazers general manager Bob Whitsitt released a statement. ''I understand that the fans are disappointed when they hear allegations like this about players, as I am personally,'' Whitsitt said. ''I want the fans to know that our organization does not condone this type of behavior from our players, and if found to be guilty, the organization will take appropriate action.'' Agents for the players did not immediately return phone messages seeking comment. The three men will appear in Lewis County District Court in early December, Butler said. Under Washington State law, misdemeanor possession is punishable with a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. The Trail Blazers played Thursday night at the Seattle SuperSonics. Wallace scored 13 points in Portland's 89-85 win, while Stoudamire did not play. Sgt. Rob Huss stopped the car for going 84 mph in a 70 mph zone, Butler said. ''The trooper got the strong smell of mar1juana coming from the vehicle so he initiated an investigation,'' Washington State Patrol spokesman Garvin March said. The trooper requested assistance from local police, who sent a drug-sniffing dog to help search the vehicle, March said. Less than 40 grams of mar1juana was found, making it a misdemeanor instead of a felony under Washington state law, he said. After the tickets were issued, the three men continued on their way. In February, police found a large bag of mar1juana at Stoudamire's house. The player and his father were charged with felony possession of mar1juana, but the charges against his father were dropped. In August, a judge declared the search illegal and rejected a prosecution request to use the mar1juana as evidence. That ruling has been appealed.
The Blazers need to do a complete rehaul of the team. Send out all those worthless, overpaid thugs and get some players who actually care about winning.
Whitsitt at least has an eye for talent, he just can't put a TEAM together. Don't know much about Layden other than that the Knicks suck now.
I don't think getting loaded and driving 84mph is especially safe. Do you? Couldn't they wait until they got home? They deserve whatever they get.
Bust the players for breaking the speed limit, sure! And if they are impaired from any drug (including alcohol), bust them for that as well. But please, leave the possesion of mar1juana out of it. We will never legislate it out of existence.
