Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ― Minnesota Vikings safety Dwight Smith was cited for misdemeanor possession of marijuana after his vehicle was stopped for impeding traffic at a downtown intersection Thursday night, according to the police report.

The police report said Smith's car had been parked in a lane for valet parking. When police tried to get Smith to move his car, they noticed a strong smell of marijuana. 

According to the report, Smith admitted to police that he had been smoking. It also said Defensive Lineman Pat Williams was at the club but not in Smith's vehicle.

According to Minneapolis Police Spokesman Sgt. Jesse Garcia, Williams identified himself as a reserve marshal. Garcia said Williams was attempting to help "sort things out." 

"I have been made aware of the allegations and have been proactive in dealing with the Minneapolis Police Department. I'll have further comment when all the facts have been gathered and the investigation is complete," said Head Coach Brad Childress, in a statement Friday night.



He declined to say whether Smith would play Monday night against the Chicago Bears at the Metrodome. He did practice with the team Friday.

The fine for misdemeanor possession of marijuana is $125 for a first offense, but Smith could face punishment from the NFL under its substance abuse policy.

In Aug. 2006, Smith and an unidentified 24-year-old woman were cited for 'indecent conduct' in a stairwell at the Escape Ultra Lounge, 600 Hennepin Ave. South, in the Block E building early Saturday morning. Both Smith and the woman were released at the scene. Police were reportedly tipped off by a phone call.

In January 2007, Smith pleaded guilty to misdemeanor indecent conduct in connection with an incident.

His attorney at the time, David Valentini, said the plea agreement called for Smith to be sentenced to 16 hours of community service, a $375 fine and $700 in prosecutor costs.

Smith, who joined the Vikings this year after four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was charged in March 2005 with aggravated assault with a weapon after aiming a pellet gun at two young men who approached Smith while he was waiting in his car at a McDonald's drive-thru window.

For more information on this story tune in to WCCO-TV tonight at 5, 6 and 10 p.m.

 



The Vikings have a significant Monday night football game against the Chicago Bears which could mean a playoff berth.In Aug. 2006, Smith and an unidentified 24-year-old woman were cited for 'indecent conduct' in a stairwell at the Escape Ultra Lounge, 600 Hennepin Ave. South, in the Block E building early Saturday morning. Both Smith and the woman were released at the scene. Police were reportedly tipped off by a phone call. In January 2007, Smith pleaded guilty to misdemeanor indecent conduct in connection with an incident. His attorney at the time, David Valentini, said the plea agreement called for Smith to be sentenced to 16 hours of community service, a $375 fine and $700 in prosecutor costs. Smith, who joined the Vikings this year after four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was charged in March 2005 with aggravated assault with a weapon after aiming a pellet gun at two young men who approached Smith while he was waiting in his car at a McDonald's drive-thru window. For more information on this story tune in to WCCO-TV tonight at 5, 6 and 10 p.m.  

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