Prosecutors drop marijuana charges against Haslem
With barely two weeks left before their training camp, the Miami Heat will have one less distraction after prosecutors dropped the marijuana charges against their do-it-all power forward, Udonis Haslem.
Haslem’s attorney Eric Schwartzreich confirmed the report on Thursday, after receiving a call informing him that the prosecutors failed to find any proof that Haslem was the owner of the marijuana found inside
his car.
The seven-year NBA veteran was arrested on 15 August after driving 78mph in a 60-mph zone in Miami. And when the authorities inspected his Mercedes, traces of marijuana were found.
Haslem’s passenger during that time, Antwan Fleming, claimed ownership, but the Florida Highway Patrol decided to arrest Miami Heat forward.
According to Assistant State Attorney Errol Portman, they did nothing illegal when they arrested Haslem because the marijuana was found inside his own car and he was actually driving it that time.
However, the state failed to prove Haslem’s knowledge about it, and said that they will not be able to file a case against the 6ft 8in former University of Florida standout. Portman also added that they were
able to find traces of Fleming’s fingerprint on the container of the marijuana.
Haslem, who averaged 10 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season, said that now that his name was cleared about the issue, he can now focus on their preparation for the upcoming NBA season, where they
will be the favourite to win the title.
"I am really looking forward to getting back to basketball and focusing on the upcoming season," Haslem said after hearing positive development about the issue.
Heat President Pat Riley expressed relief, and he’s hoping that Haslem, who was a big factor when the Heat won the title in 2006, will not receive any sanction from the league.
The Miami Heat will start their training camp on 28 September at the Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base, and will play their first pre-season game against the Detroit Pistons on 5 October at home.
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