Brooklyn Nets: D’Angelo Russell cited for marijuana possession

Brooklyn Nets All-Star D’Angelo Russell was cited at LaGuardia Airport Wednesday night for marijuana possession and faces a small fine if found guilty.

D’Angelo Russell of the Brooklyn Nets was cited Wednesday night for marijuana possession after Transportation Security Agency workers flagged his checked bag while he was preparing to fly from LaGuardia International Airport to his hometown of Louisville, according to reports.

According to USA Today, Russell was detailed after TSA flagged his bag for what appeared to be a can of Arizona Iced Tea in a bag Russell had checked.

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The can reportedly had a hidden compartment where the small amount of marijuana was found.

A Port Authority spokesperson cited by USA Today said Russell was issued a citation for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and a summons to appear in court. It is a non-criminal violation under New York law and carries a fine of up to $100.

The Port Authority Police Department issued the summons after conducting an inspection of Russell’s bag.

On the surface, it doesn’t appear to be a major deal for the four-year veteran … except for that whole pending free agency thing. Russell’s contract expires at the end of June and he is expected to become a restricted free agency, based on the assumption the Nets tender a qualifying offer.

The 23-year-old Russel was the No. 2 overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2015 NBA Draft and was traded to Brooklyn in June 2017. He earned his first All-Star selection this season and averaged career-highs of 21.1 points and 7.0 assists per game.

According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, the Nets have merely acknowledged they are aware of the situation. According to a statement from the team:

"“We have been made aware of the situation involving D’Angelo Russell and are in the process of gathering more information at this time.”"

If Russell pleads guilty or no contest to the charge, he would be required to enter the NBA’s marijuana program and be subject to more frequent random drug tests. Under the terms of the program, a player is not subject to a suspension until a third violation.

Marijuana is now fully legal in 10 states, according to DISA Global Solutions, a Texas-based firm that consults with companies on drug testing policies.

Marijuana is still fully illegal in 16 states, while the other 24 states — including New York — have allowed medical use and/or decriminalized possession to some degree.

The charges could affect Russell’s pending free agency as it is still considered something of a red flag to many teams.