Memphis Grizzlies forward Darius Miles, who was suspended last season for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program, was free on bond Thursday after being charged with possession of marijuana.
The 27-year-old Miles was alone in his car in suburban Fairview Heights, Ill., Wednesday night when an officer pulled him over for allegedly failing to use a turn signal, police Sgt. Steve Evans said. During a search of the car, Evans said police found a small amount of marijuana in a plastic bag in the passenger compartment.
Miles was ticketed for driving with a suspended license and charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession because the amount of the drug was less than 2.5 grams, which would have been a felony. He was later freed on $100 bond.
A message was left Thursday by The Associated Press with a woman who answered a Belleville phone listed under Miles’ name. It was not immediately clear if Miles had an attorney. A call to a number for an agent who has represented Miles when unanswered.
Miles was playing for Boston when he was suspended without pay for 10 games last season for violating terms of the league’s anti-drug program at the end of the 2007-08 season.
Miles was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers out of high school in East St. Louis as the third overall pick of the 2000 draft. Known for his acrobatic dunks, the 6-foot-9 forward spent two years with the Clippers before a stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Portland traded for him in January 2004 and signed him to a six-year, $28 million deal, but his tenure was uneasy. He got into a verbal spat with then-coach Maurice Cheeks during a film session and inexplicably left for the locker room during a game.
Miles had microfracture surgery on his right knee in November 2006 and an independent doctor determined last season that the injury was career-ending. The Blazers waived him.
After a pair of 10-game contracts, Memphis signed Miles on Jan. 30 for the remainder of the season. He went on to play in 34 games with the Grizzlies, averaging 3.5 points. His contract expires at the end of June, at which time he’ll become a free agent.
During his six-year NBA career, Miles has averaged 10 points and five rebounds.
