The good news for Dwight Smith is this time he kept his pants on.The last time the Vikings safety got in trouble with the police it was last year's indecent conduct with a woman in a nightclub's stairwell. This time he was fully clothed at all times, but he could end up in more trouble with the NFL after police cited him for marijuana possession and obstructing traffic on Thursday night.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could fine or suspend Smith for the pot possession, although any decision will likely not be made until well after this season is over. The last time Smith got in trouble coach Brad Childress benched him for one game, but with the Vikings banged up at safety and a playoff spot on the line, there's a lot of reasons to overlook this arrest until the NFL rules.
The biggest effect for Smith would be if the NFL decides to enter him into the NFL's substance abuse testing program because of the pot charge. Generally an arrest for use of an illegal drug is enough to get a player into the program. If the NFL decides to make Smith take further drug tests a further positive test could result in a four-game suspension.
There is an interesting addendum to the story as well--nose tackle Pat Williams is apparently taking classes to become a police officer. He helped settle down the situation with Smith and showed the cops his badge. Although I don't know if he'd fit into a police car, it's hard to imagine many criminals giving Williams problems. He might not be much of a help in a foot chase however.
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