Prosecutors in Wisconsin have filed misdemeanor drug possession charges against Geronimo Allison, Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver, stemming from a September 2016 traffic stop. The 22-year-old athlete is scheduled to appear in a Manitowoc County court on Jan. 23. Both the Green Bay Packers and National Football League have released statements indicating that they are aware of the charges but will make no decisions about Allison’s future until the case has been resolved.
Police say that they pulled over Allison’s rented Dodge sedan on Interstate 43 in the vicinity of Francis Creek after observing it traveling 11 miles per hour over the posted speed limit of 70 miles per hour. Officers claim that they became suspicious after detecting the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Allison is said to have denied possessing or smoking the drug, but police say that they recovered three cigars on the front passenger seat of the car, two of which contained a substance that later tested positive for THC.
If he is convicted, Allison could be suspended for a number of games under the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The wide receiver was signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2016 NFL draft, but he impressed his coaches and soon earned a place on the Packers’ training squad. An injury crisis gave Allison his chance to earn a place in the starting lineup, and he performed well during the team’s wins over Atlanta, Detroit, Minnesota, New York and Dallas.
Being accused of possessing or selling drugs can have severe consequences, which can be particularly damaging to those who work in the public eye. When drug charges are minor and a conviction could greatly impact a blossoming career, experienced criminal defense attorneys may urge prosecutors to show leniency. Prosecutors usually work under a great deal of pressure, and they may sometimes be willing to settle cases quickly and quietly even when they possess compelling evidence.
