Falcons' RB Snelling Jailed on Traffic Charges

Atlanta Falcons running back Jason Snelling, 25, was arrested by Gwinnett police, on April 11, alleging the third-year running back was driving without insurance and wanted on a failure to appear warrant.

According to the report, an officer was stopped at a traffic light behind Snelling's 2007 Lincoln Navigator on Ga. Highway 20 when he "randomly ran the tag," which indicated the vehicle was not insured, according to a police report.

The background check revealed that Snelling was wanted on failure to appear warrants in Lawrenceville, stemming from an April 2008 arrest for driving with a suspended license and failing to have a Georgia tag after 30 days, according to the report and jail records.

Snelling claimed he is current on insurance payments and that he had paid the traffic fines, which was later confirmed when a Gwinnett Recorder's Court representative said Snelling's earlier case was closed after he paid the traffic fines in April last year.

In the most recent arrest, Snelling spent eight hours at the Gwinnett County Jail before posting $1,400 bond. Falcons management inked an exclusive rights contract last month with Snelling. The team drafted him from Virginia in the seventh round of the 2007 draft.

Bills Whitner Arrested

It appears as the the Buffalo Bills are attempting to be the Cincinnati Bengals of New York as another one of their players was arrested.

Police have confirmed that Whitner was arrested for aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting police outside the House of Blues at 3 a.m. He hasn't been officially charged with either crime, according to WIVB-TV in Buffalo.

Whitner, who went to Ohio State, has started 42 games in three seasons since the Bills selected him with the eighth overall pick of the 2006 draft. He had 61 tackles and one sack in 13 games during the 2008 season.

The Bills will already be without starting running back Marshawn Lynch for the first three games of the season and will now await word on whether Whitner will face suspension as well.

Bills Lynch Suspended 3 Games

Commissioner Roger Goodell has decided to suspend Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch for the first three games of the 2009 season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, according to sources. An official announcement is likely coming on Thursday

Lynch is expected to appeal the suspension, which will lose, the Bills back approximately $112,000 of his $635,000 base salary for 2009 during the suspension.

The Bills running back was arrested on a misdemeanor gun charge. In searching a parked car carrying Lynch, Culver City police found a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun inside a backpack in the trunk.

After pleading guilty to having a concealed firearm in a vehicle, Lynch was sentenced last month to 80 hours of community service and three years' probation.

This is the second violation for Lynch in as many years, when he pleaded guilty to a traffic violation and admitted driving off after striking a female pedestrian with his car. He avoided suspension the first time after meeting with Commisioner Goodell at training camp last summer. No such luck this time.

Bengals CB Leon Hall Busted for DUI

They are at it again, the Cincinnati Bengals player have a long history with breaking the law and it appears that cornerback Leon Hall didn't want to be left behind.

Leon Hall was stopped Sunday at 3:11 a.m. on Mount Carmel-Tobasco Road in Union Township.
The Ohio State Patrol said Hall's blood-alcohol level was .149, nearly twice the legal limit. Hall was charged with driving under the influence and driving left of center.

The arresting officer said Hall was polite and cooperative during the arrest. Hall was scheduled to appear Friday in court in Clermont County.

The 24-year-old Hall played college football at Michigan and has played in 32 games as a Bengal, compiling 143 tackles and eight interceptions.

Bengals Get Tank'ed

The Cincinnati Bengals have been publicly saying they want to improve the character of their team and stop signing players who have trouble with the law, or who are "bad character" guys. As is normal with the Bengals franchise they took a step in the opposite direction today with the signing of Tank Johnson. Signing the defensive tackle to a one-year deal, which is believed to be for the league minimum, which would be for $620,000 with a possible signing bonus of $50,000. Johnson will be entering his sixth season.

According to Johnson's agent, Jerrold Colton "Tank had a good meeting with the Bengals last Thursday and is excited to play for Marvin Lewis, (defensive coordinator) Mike Zimmer and (defensive line coach) Jay Hayes,"

Johnson has played the last two seasons in Dallas and struggled in the Cowboys' 3-4 alignment He had 45 tackles and a sack last year. Johnson began his career with the Bears and spent three seasons there, compiling 8.5 sacks. But in Chicago he made more news off the field than on it. After repeated off-the-field incidents, and serving time in prison, he was released by the Bears in 2007.

Vick Says He Can Play Another 10 Years in NFL

In court for his bankrupcy hearings, suspended NFL star Michael Vick began to outline plans for life after prison Friday, telling a judge his time behind bars gave him a chance to reflect and that he hopes to play pro football for another 10 years.

"I can't live like the old Mike Vick," he told a courtroom filled with his family, friends and fiancee. "I was very immature. I did a lot of things I wasn't supposed to do being a role model."

In prison, he's filled his days by reading, writing, playing basketball and working a 12-cent-an-hour job as a janitor, he said. The experience has been a life changing one for Vick and has helped him to prioritize his responsibility and to develop an "exit strategy".

Vick filed for bankruptcy in July claiming assets of $16 million and debts of more than $20 million. His exit strategy is all dependant on his faith that he will return to the NFL and resume his playing career. A career he told Judge Frank Santoro could be a decade of longer.

"If I keep my body in shape, and do the right things, I think I have maybe 10 or 12 more years in my career," Vick said.

Vick's agent, Joel Segal, said on the stand Thursday that he would try to negotiate a short-term contract filled with incentives for playing time and starts that could bring in millions. He also said Vick has agreed to plans for a television documentary that will pay him $600,000.

Stallworth Charged, Could Face Up To 15 Years

Donte Stallworth of the Cleveland Browns was charged with killing a pedestrian last month while driving drunk after a night out in a South Beach nightspot.

An arrest warrant charging Stallworth, 28, with DUI manslaughter was filed in the March 14 accident that killed 59-year-old Mario Reyes. If convicted, Stallworth would face up to 15 years in prison.

Stallworth's blood-alcohol level after the crash was .126, well above Florida's legal limit of .08, according to results of a blood test. Stallworth will also be charged with DUI, which carries a possible six-month sentence plus fines and community service for first offenders.

"Whenever a deadly accident occurs and a driver is impaired, families suffer," said Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle in a statement. "I can only repeat this message over and over: If you are going to drink, don't drive."

Stallworth, is expected to surrender in court Thursday, has said publicly that he is "grief-stricken" over the accident. Prosecutors said they will ask that he be released on $200,000 bail.

Information from the associated press was used in this report.

Chiefs RB Gets Probation

Chiefs RB Larry Johnson has pleaded guilty to two counts of disturbing the peace for separate incidents involving women at nightclubs last year.

A Kansas City Municipal Court judge sentenced Johnson to two years probation on Friday. Johnson has a chance to clear his name and have his guilty plea will be removed from public record if he finishes the probation without further incidents.

While on probation, Johnson will not be allowed to consume alcohol or be at any Kansas City bars or nightclubs after 9 p.m. He also must complete anger control counseling and 40 hours of community service.

Johnson was originally charged with assault for allegedly shoving one woman and spitting a drink in the face of another last year. Those charges were changed to disturbing the peace.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Cornell Green Hits 'Baby Mama' with Mop Handle

Oakland Raiders' offensive lineman Cornell Green has been arrested on a domestic violence charge in Florida, according to an Associated Press report published in the Tampa Tribune.

A Tampa police report indicates that Green became violent Saturday during an argument with the mother of his two children in his home. Police say Green slammed 30-year-old Teriyonal Ebony Flowers into a wall, then struck her right arm with an aluminum mop handle.

Green then fled the scene and was later apprehended at the Tampa International Airport while waiting for a flight to Oakland, Calif.

The 32-year-old tackle was being held Sunday at the Hillsborough County jail on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Haynesworth Indicted on Two Traffic Charges

The "$100 Million Man" DT Albert Haynesworth may find himself with a little less in his wallet after being indicted on two misdemeaner traffic charges stemming from a December 13th crash that seriously injured another driver.

District Attorney Kim Helper of Williamson County said Thursday that Haynesworth was indicted Monday on charges of reckless driving and having expired registration.

Haynesworth, was released on $1,000 bond after surrendering Wednesday. The maximum punishment is six months in jail and a $500 fine on the reckless driving charge and 30 days in jail and a $50 fine for the other charge.

Haynesworth is scheduled for arraignment March 30 in Williamson Circuit Court in Franklin, just south of Nashville.

The victim of the accident, Corey Edmondson has needed a hip replacement and is unable to move except with a walker or in a wheelchair, said his attorney, Jon Perry.

CB Macklin Arrested

The Kansas City Chiefs have been all over the news today, this time for the wrong reasons. Virginia State police have arrested CB David Macklin on a drunken drivin g cause.

State police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said Macklin was stopped around 3:30 a.m. for vehicle windows tinted beyond the limits allowed by Virginia law.

During the stop, the officer smelled an odor of alcohol, Geller said. Macklin was given a blood alcohol test and his level was above the legal limit, she said.

Macklin was held in the city jail until he posted bond before noon Friday. Officials did not know if the 30-year-old NFL player had retained an attorney.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Matt Jones in Trouble with the Law, Again

Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Matt Jones was arrested Monday evening in Washington County, Ark., and is being held. Jones had troubles with the law last season and served a three-game suspension to end the 2008 season.

It is being reported that alcohol was found in Jones' system when he took a random drug test as part of a plea agreement that resolved his cocaine possession charge in July. He was charged with contempt of court.

Jones was given a choice of serving 10 days in jail or entering a six-week residential treatment program, The Florida Times-Union reported. He at first opted for the treatment program, but Judge Mary Ann Gunn suggested he think about what a prolonged stay in treatment would do to his NFL career. Jones then changed his mind.

Jones tested positive for alcohol on Feb. 27 and appeared in court on Monday and admitted using alcohol during a golf outing the day before the test. He was arrested and the judge set his bond at $150,000.

"The only issue today is that Matt admitted to the court that he drank a couple of beers while playing golf last week with a friend. I had a very positive conversation with the prosecuting attorney this evening in which she was adamant that 'this is not a new charge.'"

Jones was arrested and charged with one count of cocaine possession on July 10, 2008, when a Fayetteville police officer saw him inside a parked car allegedly cutting up cocaine with a credit card. The charge carried a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Jones pleaded not guilty and later reached agreement with prosecutor John Threet's office to send the case to drug court.

Bucs LB Gets Cut, Litterally

Tampa Bay linebacker Geno Hayes, a rookie 6th round pick last season was stabbed him in the head with a pair of scissors and in the neck with a knife, by his girlfriend, according to Hillsborough County deputies

Hayes was taken to a hospital by a friend, and he was treated and released.

Deputies arrested 19-year-old Shevelle Bagley at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, she was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Shevelle has since been released on $25,000 bail.

According to Hillsborough County sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter, the incident began with an argument Saturday, and Bagley grabbed a pair of scissors, stabbing Hayes and causing a superficial wound to Hayes' head, Carter said. Hayes got the scissors away from Bagley. Then Bagley "grabbed a knife and stabbed him in the neck".

Hayes is expected to compete for a starting position this off season for the Bucs after the former starter Derrick Brooks was released last month. No word yet, on whether these injuries will affect his chances.

Marshall Adds to the Drama in Denver

If the trade Saga for Cutler wasn't enough the Denver Broncos have more drama to deal with in the Mile High City.

WR Brandon Marshall, fresh off his Pro Bowl appearance, where he claimed he was getting his life back on track with his engagement to long time girlfriend, was arrested Sunday in Atlanta and booked into the Atlanta City Jail on a disorderly conduct charge. This was the fourth arrest for Marshall since March 2006.

Marshall has previously served suspensions for his off-field legal troubles and will likely face a longer suspension due to this one, somewhere in the neighborhood of an eight-game suspension is expected.

WR Williams Busted for DWI and Marijuana Possession

Free Agent WR Reggie Williams, who played last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, was charged with DWI and possession of marijuana after being pulled over and arrested during a traffic stop early Friday.

Houston police department spokesman John Cannon said the 25-year-old Williams was arrested about 2 a.m. on Houston's southwest side after officers smelled alcohol on his breath and a "strong odor" of marijuana in his vehicle. A search of the vehicle found a small amount of marijuana in its console, Cannon said.

He has since been released on a $1,000 bond.

Super Bowl MVP Holmes Scheduled for Marijuana Hearing

According to the Associated Press,

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver and Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on a misdemeanor marijuana charge stemming from an October traffic stop.

Holmes' vehicle was pulled over on Oct. 23 and Pittsburgh police say they found three marijuana-filled cigars. Police say they stopped Holmes because his vehicle was similar to one they were looking for in a drug sting.

According to the Police they smelled burning marijuana when they stopped Holmes, who was cooperative and alerted officers to the drugs.

The 24-year-old player is charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana. The charge carries up to a year in jail, but probation or a fine is common in most cases.

Lynch Charged with 3 Gun Misdemeanors

Buffalo Bills RB Marshawn Lynch charged in Los Angeles County Superior Court with possessing a concealed, loaded and unregistered firearm, police Detective Ryan Thompson said.

Lynch was arrested on Feb. 11 after police smelled marijuana coming from a parked car that Lynch occupied with two other men. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded pistol and four marijuana cigarettes. They did not book any of the men for any drug offenses.

"We would have preferred no criminal charges. However, given that charges were filed we are pleased that they are misdemeanors as opposed to felonies," said Lynch's attorney, Gerald Schwartzbach.

Lynch's arraignment is scheduled for March 3.

Bills coach Dick Jauron said he was not pleased with the latest arrest, though it was unclear if the team would reprimand the 22-year-old running back.

"You never like to see any Bills names or really an NFL name in the news in regards to those kinds of incidents," he said Thursday during a news conference at a scouting combine in Indianapolis.

Marijuana Smell Prompted Cops to Search Lynch

According to the Associated Press.

Officers who arrested Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch last week for possessing a loaded gun decided to search him after noticing the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle he occupied, police said Wednesday.
Lynch

Lynch and two other men were sitting in a parked Mercedes Benz with no license plates and dark, tinted windows on Feb. 11 when officers approached to investigate if the car was stolen, said police Capt. Dave Tankenson.

The officers smelled marijuana and searched the car and its occupants, finding four marijuana cigarettes and an unregistered 9 mm pistol, Tankenson said. Officers were unsure if the drugs belonged to Lynch.

Lynch who may not charged or convicted, may still face discipline from the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Marshawn Lynch in Trouble with the Law Again.

Marshawn Lynch of the Buffalo Bills is in trouble with the law again.

Lynch was arrested Wednesday in Culver City, Calif., on felony charges for possession of a concealed firearm. The Culver City Police Department on Sunday afternoon released a brief statement with details of the arrest. The statement noted officers spotted three men in a 2006 Mercedes Benz and recognized Lynch as the Bills' running back.

"A subsequent field investigation led to the discovery of a loaded firearm," the report said. "The officers determined the gun belonged to Lynch and he was arrested for possession of a concealed firearm."

Lynch's lawyer, M. Gerald Schwartzbach, said his client was not involved in a traffic incident. Schwartzbach said the player was in California to visit friends. The Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's inmate database says Lynch was booked at 7:12 p.m. and was released on a $35,000 bond at 8:45 p.m.

Lynch has had several brushes with the law, including last summer when Lynch was the subject of a hit-and-run investigation in Buffalo after his luxury SUV struck a woman in the street and sped away. He faced no criminal charges. Also, in 2006, Lynch was the target of a drive-by shooting outside his prep alma mater, Oakland Technical. Police determined Lynch was the victim of mistaken identity.

Kicker Jeff Reed charged with criminal mischief

Pittsburgh's Jeff Reed was cited with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct after throwing a tantrum over an empty paper towel machine at a Westmoreland County convenience store.

The Steelers kicker went in to the men's restroom at Sheetz on U.S. Route 22 in New Alexandria borough shortly before 3 a.m. The Sheetz employee could hear screaming and loud banging coming from inside the bathroom. Reed emerged from the bathroom furious and began to scream and curse at the employee.

Police were called to the scene, upon arrival Reed exited the store and continued his tantrum. Police also noted that Reed caused damage to the bathroom's towel dispencer.