Falcons running back Jason Snelling, who was arrested early Friday morning in Barrow County on charges of marijuana possession and several traffic charges, will not play Sunday at Tampa Bay.
“After speaking with him yesterday, Jason has decided to take some personal time to deal with his situation and will miss (Sunday’s) game,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said Saturday in a statement. “We anticipate him rejoining our team Monday morning.”
Snelling was arrested by the Winder Police Department after being found in possession of marijuana, the team confirmed Friday. Snelling, 29, of Lawrenceville, was booked into the Barrow County jail at 6:42 a.m. and later made bond. He was arrested at 4:20 a.m., according to the incident report.
Snelling met with Smith on Friday and did not practice. He did not make the trip to Tampa with the team Saturday.
A reserve running back, Snelling has 36 rushes for 132 yards and one touchdown this season. He has 19 catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns.
Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers normally back up Steven Jackson. Running backs Antone Smith and Josh Vaughan could takeover Snelling’s role. Vaughan has been inactive for three games and did not play in another one.
In the past, Smith has allowed players who have had brushes with law to play and was prepared to let Snelling play, but the player was so shaken by the arrest that he wanted some time to address the situation with his family.
In 2008, safety Lawyer Milloy played after he was arrested on DUI charges. In 2009, defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux played after a marijuana arrest. In December 2009, kick returner Eric Weems was arrested and didn’t miss any action.
In 2012, running back Michael Turner was arrested on DUI and speeding charges and did not miss any action.
He has been an advocate for epilepsy awareness and has served as national spokesman for the Epilepsy Foundation.
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