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Woj: DLo marijuana charge unlikely to affect free agency or relationship with Nets

By Net Income

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D’Angelo Russell was stopped —and cited by police— for marijuana possession Wednesday night as he was preparing to fly from LaGuardia Airport to Louisville International Airport in his hometown.

Although the incident attracted a lot of media attention, Adrian Wojnarowski dismissed the effect of the incident on either DLo’s free agency or his relationship with the Nets, suggesting the Nets have wanted to sign their All-Star guard before he hits the market.

A.J. Perez of USA Today broke the story Thursday afternoon, reporting that Nets All-Star guard, who is a restricted free agent this summer, was stopped by police after marijuana was found by TSA authorities in his checked baggage. According to Perez...

Russell was questioned by police after a routine search flagged what at first glance appeared to be a can of Arizona Iced Tea. Upon further inspection, the can had a hidden compartment where marijuana was discovered.

Russell received a summons to appear in court for marijuana possession.

A Port Authority spokesperson confirmed Perez’s report, telling the Post: “We got a call from TSA about D’Angelo’s bag for allegedly marijuana. PAPD units responded, and they issued him a summons. He was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams.”

Russell was permitted to board his plane and fly to Louisville. The Daily News reported that Russell initially claimed the bag was his brother’s.

According to New York state law, “possessing less than 2 ounces of marijuana (50 grams) in a non-public place is classified as unlawful possession of marijuana (New York State Penal Law § 221.05), a violation which carries a penalty of a fine up to $100.”

Later Thursday, Woj went on ESPN and spoke with Michelle Beadle.

Specifically, Woj stated...

“He’s been a model citizen for the Nets. He made his first all-star team this year, really helped will that team to the post-season and really doesn’t have a history of legal trouble. He’s going to be sought after as a restricted free agent and the Nets are going to really try to go the distance here to try to get a deal done with him even before he gets out into the market place. Nobody’s appetite for D’Angelo Russell has changed over that episode last night.”

The Nets issued a statement Thursday afternoon on the incident.

“We have been made aware of the situation involving D’Angelo Russell and are in the process of gathering more information at this time.”

An NBA player would have to enter the league’s marijuana program if he “has been convicted of (including a plea of guilty, no contest or nolo contendere to) the use or possession of marijuana in violation of the law,” under the CBA. There’s no suspension until the third violation of the marijuana policy.

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