Falcons running back Jason Snelling, who was absent from practice Friday, 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 Barrow Journal, citing the incident report.
According to the newspaper, Snelling was charged with possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, having an expired or no driver’s license, possession and use of drug-related objects, failure to maintain lane, failure to maintain insurance, improper use of a dealer license plate and having no vehicle registration.
At approximately 3:35 a.m., a black Lincoln Navigator driven by Snelling was observed unable to stay in its lane, according to the Barrow County News.
According to the News, an officer smelled an odor of marijuana coming from the car, and Snelling told him that he smoked earlier in the evening at a friend’s home.
The News article reported that another officer detected marijuana in Snelling’s mouth. Snelling denied eating marijuana.
At 4:20 a.m., Snelling was arrested and taken to the Barrow County Detention Center, according to the News.
“We are aware of the situation concerning Jason Snelling and are in the process of gathering additional information,” the Falcons said in a statement. “Because this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”
In the past, Falcons coach Mike Smith has played players who have had brushes with law.
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.
Snelling has no known previous arrests, and it is not known if he’s in the NFL’s substance-abuse program. The team leaves for Tampa around 3 p.m. Saturday, and Snelling is expected to be on the plane.
Snelling was listed on the injury report Friday with a non-injury related/knee injury. He was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay. A reserve running back, Snelling has 36 rushed for 132 yards and one touchdown this season. He has 19 catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns.
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