Bulls center Joakim Noah was arrested in Gainesville, Fla., early Sunday on allegations of possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis and an open-container violation, police said.
Summer Hallett, public information officer for the Gainesville Police Department, confirmed that Gainesville police stopped Noah, 23, about 1:50 a.m. Sunday for carrying a clear plastic cup with an "iced, amber-colored beverage" inside.
Hallett said Noah put down the liquid when confronted by police, who were enforcing the city's law prohibiting drinking from open containers on public sidewalks.
Hallett said subsequent inspection revealed Noah's drink to be alcoholic, at which point officers arrested Noah and took him to the department's downtown annex. A source said Noah was drinking cognac.
Once there, Hallett said, officers discovered a cannabis cigarette inside a cigarette package that Noah had in his pants pocket. Noah was issued a notice to appear in court for the two misdemeanors.
Hallett said Noah was cooperative with police and "bonded himself out" by being fingerprinted and signing a notice to appear before a judge at his court date.
The misdemeanor marijuana charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $500 fine.
Hallett said Noah has a court date in June.
An attempt to reach Noah wasn't successful.
A team spokesman said general manager John Paxson is aware of the incident but would reserve comment until more information has been gathered.
The spokesman added that Paxson spoke to Noah on Sunday and expressed his disappointment to Noah for his actions.
The incident was first reported by the Gainesville Sun newspaper.
A spokesman for the NBA league office said officials are monitoring the situation.
According to the collective bargaining agreement, any player convicted of marijuana possession is required to enter a league program.
A third violation would bring a five-game suspension.
Noah averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds during his rookie season after the Bulls drafted him ninth overall out of Florida last June.
SOURCE CHICAGO TRIBUNE
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