Packers Jolly Settles Drug Charge, May Avoid Jail Time
Green Bay Packers defensive end (DE) Johnny Jolly has settled with prosecutors and may avoid a drug charge and have the case against him thrown out if he stays out of trouble over the next year.
The NFL suspended Jolly for the entire 2010 season, and Jolly was facing stiffer penalties from the law. Jolly was set to head to trial due to being caught with over 200 grams of a controlled substance, codeine syrup and was facing a possibility of spending a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Jolly will instead face a form of probation. It is required that he doesn’t break any laws over the next year and must work 160 hours of community service. Among those 160 hours, he will be speaking to children in ten assemblies to talk about the dangers of drug use.
Jolly’s trial was set to begin this week. State District Judge Mike Anderson accepted the settlement between Jolly and prosecutors but warned Jolly that he has responsibilities as he can now be seen as a role-model for changing his ways.
"This is hopefully a step in the right direction," Anderson told Jolly. "There is just so much good you can do. You can give them an example that will live longer than the longest career."
Jolly has a chance to restore his image and get his career and life back on track. He also has the chance to set an example for the next generation and help them avoid any problems with drugs: "I know that I have been given a natural talent and that abusing prescription narcotics has placed my future in jeopardy. I understand that by telling my story to the young people in my community I may prevent them from making the same mistakes," Jolly said in the agreement.
The agreement also has its share of restrictions. On top of the fact that Jolly must have zero contact with drugs, he is barred from drinking and cannot visit bars and nightclubs. He will also undergo random testing for drugs and alcohol.
Jolly’s playing status is still in question. He is out for this season and the league will make a decision whether to reinstate him or not after the Super Bowl in February. He violated the league’s substance abuse policy but Commissioner Roger Goodell has proven that while he is strict, he can give second chances. He reinstated Michael Vick when he was released from prison and he has reduced suspensions before. If Jolly stays out of trouble and adheres to his probation requirements, then he may very well play in the NFL again.
Tags: