Newspaper Suspends Sports Columnist After Marijuana Charge

David Mayo, a sports columnist for the Grand Rapids Press in Michigan, has been suspended from his job after he was arrested and charged with growing marijuana at his home.

Police say Mayo had more than 20 but fewer than 200 marijuana plants, which is a felony charge that could get him up to seven years in prison. He also is charged with maintaining a drug house, which is punishable by up to two years in jail.

Here's how the Grand Rapids Press itself reports the news:

Press Publisher Dan Gaydou said the newspaper became aware of the allegations Wednesday morning. Mayo has been suspended with pay pending further investigation, he said. ...
David Mayo has been employed at The Press since 1985 and has covered collegiate and professional sports, including the World Series and Super Bowl. He specializes in boxing coverage and has traveled the country to report on the career of Floyd Mayweather. A native of Kirby, Ark., he is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.

Mayo's lawyer says the marijuana (which police described as more than 10 pounds but less than 100 pounds) was for personal use, adding, "This wasn't heavy drugs or anything like that." An arrest warrant was also issued for Mayo's wife.

Mayo's most recent column appeared on February 3, and it focused on the Michigan and Michigan State football recruiting classes. It would be nice to know what he thinks about the Michael Phelps story, but his column archive shows that he never addressed that subject.

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