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Lakewood Times

Lakewood Times

Lakewood Times

    Brooklyn Nets Star Cited for Marijuana Possession

    Brooklyn Nets Star Cited for Marijuana Possession

    Brooklyn Nets All-Star point guard was cited at an airport in New York for marijuana possession.

    Russell was flying from LaGuardia Airport to Louisville International Airport and was questioned by police after a routine search by TSA. The workers flagged what at first looked like a can of Arizona Iced Tea in a checked bag.

    Russell received a summons to appear in court for marijuana possession, according to the Port Authority spokesperson. The citation Russell received is a violation under New York law. Russell will receive a fine of $100 or less.

    An NBA player would be required to enter the league’s marijuana program if the player “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,” according to the current collective bargaining agreement. There’s no suspension until the third violation of the marijuana policy.

    Russell, 23, is a former first-round selection of the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s played the last two seasons with the Nets and averaged 21.1 points per game and 7.0 assists per game this season, when he earned his first all-star selection.

    The Nets’ season ended on April 23, when they were eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers. Russell will be a restricted free agent this summer, meaning that teams can offer him a four-year contract worth as much as $117 million.

    The Nets have the right to match any offer, unless they renounce those rights. They could also offer him a contract extension potentially worth as much as $158 million over five years.

    Lakewood High School senior Damir Simmons says, “He is stupid.”

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