D’Angelo Russell, 23-year-old point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, was caught in possession of marijuana during a baggage check at LaGuardia airport on Wednesday, May 1st.
What We Know:
- Russell was at LaGuardia heading to his hometown Louisville, Kentucky when he was flagged at baggage check for an Arizona Iced Tea can in his luggage. A TSA spokesperson told Newsday that the marijuana was found in a compartment inside of the drink can.
- Russell was detained and cited for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and was then released.
- According to ESPN, the NBA has a collective bargaining agreement. This agreement details the “marijuana program”. Any NBA player that violates the league’s policy on marijuana will enter the program on their first offense. The second offense can get the player fined $25,000 and the third offense can get the player suspended for five games.
- Russell will have to pay a fine that is less than $100 and he will not be suspended from any future games in the NBA.
- In the upcoming offseason, Russell is expected to be a restricted free agent. Since he is not facing any punishment from the league, this incident will not affect his future free agency at this time.
In a statement to The New York Post a source from the league stated, ” It’s not an issue. I’ve had a cell phone ticket that was more costly.”
