Jacksonville Jaguars DT Nate Collins charged on separate counts of drug possession, window tint-NFL News
Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive tackle, Nate Collins, is confirmed to be facing drug possession charges in the state of Virginia.
The player was found in possession of a small quantity of marijuana after being stopped by the police on a violation of vehicle window tint rules.
He has been charged by the police and now faces the court to fight off the allegations of the drug possession.
According to a police spokesman, the player was on the local route 29 in his 2011 Dodge when he was stopped for the window tint violation.
During search of the vehicle, police had suspicions about presence of the drug because of the smell and on an agreement from the player search the vehicle further.
The drug, said to be in a small amount, was recovered and the player was consequently charged over the illegal drug possession, according to the spokesman.
Collins was charged on last Thursday and there is no information if the player has been produced before any court so far.
The police also confirmed to have charged the player on the separate count of window tint violation, which he was found involved in at the time the vehicle was stopped.
They said that the player had provided his address as Charlottesville, but were unable to find any listing with the name at the place.
No further details around the charges and case proceedings were provided by either the player or police.
Jacksonville Jaguars’ management is also maintaining a mum on the issue. They have not commented on any aspect of the incident.
There is no confirmation either if the player stands prone to a disciplinary action under the National Football League (NFL) rules.
It is pertinent to recall that Jaguars’ new owner, Shahid Khan, had expressed his ambitions of making the team a role model off the field.
Apparently, the owner has not outlined the measures or strategies he might be implementing towards fulfilment of his objective, but certain circles believe that he might come tough on the players on the discipline issues.
It is difficult to ascertain how seriously they are going to take the matter of Collins allegedly carrying the drug, despite not being involved in its abuse.
The issue has also highlighted the significance of strict implementation of NFL rules on prevention of drug abuse by the players, following an agreement with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) in July 2011.
Effective implementation of anti-doping rules has been affected by emergence of difference between the two organisations over the issue of Human Growth Hormone testing procedures.
Irrespective to NFL office’s hopes of introduction of the system sometime during the 2011 NFL season, the matter could not be resolved. There is again expectation on its introduction this year, if there is no pending objection from any side.
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