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KEVIN FAULK Awaits court date |
Patriots running back Kevin Faulk has been charged with marijuana possession after he was found with four hand-rolled cigars filled with the illegal substance while attending a concert in his home state of Louisiana, according to police.
Capt. John Babin of the Lafayette Metro Narcotics Task Force confirmed that Faulk, who has played nine seasons in the NFL, all with the Patriots, was issued a citation after he was found with marijuana while attending a Lil Wayne rap concert last Friday night at the Cajundome in Lafayette.
"It wasn't a whole lot, a couple of grams probably," said Babin.
Faulk, 31, was not taken into custody, but as part of the citation agreed to appear in court to face the misdemeanor charge of simple possession of marijuana. No court date has been established.
"We're aware of the report, but we don't have any additional comment at this time," Patriots spokesman Stacey James said.
Faulk is the second Patriots player to be cited for marijuana possession this month. Two days after the Patriots' stunning 17-14 loss to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII Feb. 3, reserve defensive back and special teams contributor Willie Andrews was arrested in Lowell with three bags of marijuana. Andrews pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and has a pretrial conference March 18.
According to Babin, Faulk was with friends and on his way to a suite at the Cajundome when he was searched in the administration office of the building by a uniformed, off-duty Lafayette Parish Sheriff's deputy.
"It wasn't a random search, everybody going into the building was searched that night," said Babin.
Babin said Faulk was cooperative.
A phone call to Faulk's representative, Raymond Brothers, was not returned.
The incident was first reported by KATC-TV in Lafayette.
Babin said the Lafayette Narcotics Task Force usually has a heavier presence at events at the Cajundome when they feel drugs may be present. They work those events undercover, although it was a uniformed deputy who cited Faulk.
"It's a large venue in town where events are held throughout the year and based on the type of event and whether we would think there would be a narcotics presence we would work it undercover," said Babin. "Kevin just happened to have marijuana."
Faulk was named a team captain for the first time last season. The Patriots' all-time leader in receptions by a running back with 323, he is the team's top option out of the backfield in passing situations and in third-down sets. He had 47 catches for 383 yards and a touchdown last season and added 62 rushes for 265 yards.
Christopher L. Gasper can be reached at cgasper@globe.com.
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