Babineaux plays following arrest

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux, who was arrested Thursday formarijuana possession by Gwinnett County Police, started against the New Orleans Saints Sunday and played a strong game.

Babineaux's arrest -- he was charged with possession of more than one ounce -- falls under the NFL's substance abuse policy and he could be facing a four-game suspension whether if he's convicted or not.

It was surprising to some that the Falcons decided to play him, because in the wake of Michael Vick's federal dogfighting case, the team has made a concerted effort to sign high character players.

"First and foremost, anytime any of our guys show up in a negative light, I am and we are as an organization disappointed," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "With that said, this is a process that the league and the legal system goes through. We are going to let that process run its course."

Babineaux's play did not seem affected by the incident. Through his publicist, he has proclaimed that he's "not guilty" of the charge.

The team's top defensive linemen this season, Babineaux started at his normal right defensive tackle position, finishing with three tackles and one quarterback hurry.

He was part of a defensive unit that didn't record a sack, but nevertheless put New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees under duress in several passing situations.

Babineaux did not speak to the media after the game.

Gwinnett police stopped Babineaux, 28, and another man, 25-year-old Aaron Robinson of Minneapolis, about 10:45 p.m. Thursday as they drove north on I-85 in Babineaux's 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT.

Gwinnett police Cpl. David Schiralli said an officer searched the SUV because he smelled marijuana. The officer found three bags containing a total of 40 grams of marijuana, Schiralli said.

In addition to the possession charges, Babineaux is charged with having no tag light and driving without a license and with an expired tag. He also was charged with tinting his car windows too dark.

Babineaux practiced with the team Friday.

The Falcons drafted Babineaux in the second round out of Iowa in 2005.

He signed a five-year, $25 million contract extension with the team in November 2008.