Heat PF Haslem cited for marijuana possession

Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem was arrested Sunday afternoon in Miami-Dade County after police found more than 20 grams of marijuana in his vehicle during a routine traffic stop.

Haslem, who was pulled over because he was speeding, was in his vehicle with three other men, one of whom was also cited by the Florida Highway Patrol. Police noticed that his vehicle smelled of marijuana and had window tints that were darker than the legally allowed level.

According to the Associated Press:

Haslem, a former standout at the University of Florida, was freed from custody late Sunday night, about seven hours after a trooper pulled him over for driving 78 mph in a 60 mph zone on the Gratigny Parkway. Haslem’s 2008 Mercedes sedan was searched multiple times, and marijuana was eventually found in a blue nylon bag that the Heat player’s passenger, Antwain Fleming, said belonged to him.

“We are confident Udonis Haslem will be vindicated,” Haslem’s attorney Eric Schwartzreich said. “We have a situation where the passenger admits the marijuana was his and Mr. Haslem tells police nothing was in the vehicle. I think the police report speaks for itself. I am hopeful that Udonis Haslem will not be charged.”

Possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana is a third-degree felony in the state of Florida; Haslem can receive a maximum of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine, though a jail term is not likely.

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