On Tuesday afternoon, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Demetrius Harris was booked after being arrested on suspicion of felony possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
This is hardly the first time an NFL player has been arrested for marijuana during a traffic stop, but what makes this case different from most is that Harris was the passenger and not the driver of the vehicle stopped by police. The driver of the vehicle was not arrested along with Harris.
The stop was initiated around 4:20 p.m. Tuesday afternoon (not a joke) in Bates County, about one hour south of Kansas City. According to Sgt. Bill Lowe of the Missouri Highway Patrol, “He [Harris] was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped for a traffic violation…The trooper recognized the odor of marijuana, and marijuana was located in his possession.”
Missouri isn't a state that is light on marijuana offenders, either. In the state, possession of 35 grams (around 1 1/4 oz.) or more of marijuana is a felony that is punishable with a $10,000 fine and up to seven years in prison.
Needless to say, Harris' young career could be hanging in the balance depending on what the state of Missouri decides to do.
Despite playing basketball in college and not having played organized football since high school, Harris was signed by the Chiefs in 2013 after going undrafted. He spent his rookie season on the team's practice squad, but has spent the last three seasons on the official roster, playing in 32 games (out of a possible 51) and starting in 20.
Last season, Harris had career highs in catches and yards, while also catching what is known as the “Bloated Tebow Pass” from teammate Dontari Poe for his only touchdown of the season. Predictably, Harris was fined for his celebration of that touchdown.
Harris, the Chiefs, and the NFL have yet to comment on the arrest.
