Moss charged with possessing small amount of marijuana
10/01/2002
Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Vikings star receiver Randy Moss was charged Tuesday with possession of a small amount of marijuana, adding to charges last week that he pushed a traffic officer with his car.
The new petty misdemeanor count carries a fine of up to $200, but it could also lead to a suspension or fine from the NFL.
Police said they found a marijuana cigarette in Moss' car on Sept. 24. The traffic officer stepped in front of his car to stop him from making an illegal turn. She was slightly injured when she fell off the car.
Moss spent the night in jail and was charged the next day with careless driving and with failure to obey a traffic officer, both misdemeanors.
Moss has said the marijuana did not belong to him and that he had allowed other people to use his car recently.
ESPN reported Sunday that Moss tested positive for marijuana last season and underwent another test by the NFL after his arrest last week. It said Moss was already in the league's substance-abuse program after testing positive for marijuana in 2001.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said it would review the case.
"Under the policy a drug-related violation of the law is grounds for disciplinary action," Aiello said.
If Moss tests positive for a banned or illegal substance or is convicted on the possession charge, he could be subjected to fines and suspensions by the league.
Moss' agent, Dante DiTrapano, said Tuesday he had no immediate comment because he hadn't seen the new charges. A spokeswoman said the Vikings had no comment.
The 25-year-old Moss faces a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and $1,000 on the original two misdemeanor charges. He was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday.
City prosecutors on Tuesday also added two new traffic counts to the two Moss already faces: making an improper turn at an intersection and obstructing traffic with a vehicle.
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