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Ravens reserve wide receiver Deonte Thompson was arrested and charged with suspicion of possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia Friday night, according to the Gainesville, Fla., police department.
Police said an officer "noticed a strong odor of burned cannabis" coming from a Chevrolet SUV, which had been pulled over about 11:45 p.m. Friday night for driving without its headlights on. A search of the vehicle found bags totaling 29 grams of marijuana inside a duffel bag, but Thompson said only the bag was his. The driver, Alvon Summerall, and another passenger, Erskine J. McKinley, said the drugs were their own.
Thompson played at Florida and was signed by the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012.
"We are aware of the situation," said Ravens team spokesman Chad Steele. "We are gathering more facts. There are two sides to every story."
Known for his outstanding speed, Thompson has not developed into one of the Ravens' top receivers. He caught 10 passes last season for 96 yards and no touchdowns. He was sidelined at the start of the season, as well as for training camp, with a foot injury.
Thompson does not have a history of off-field problems, but the timing of his arrest is certainly poor. The Ravens are also dealing with a high-profile legal situation with starting running back Ray Rice. Rice and his fiancee were arrested and charged with simple assault at an Atlantic City, N.J., casino last week.
Under the NFL's personal conduct policy, Thompson’s case will be reviewed by the league.