On Wednesday night, the Sacramento Kings' Zach Randolph was arrested in Los Angeles and now faces a felony marijuana charge of "intent to sell." The next day, the veteran forward's agent released a statement saying that the charges are "false and misleading."
If Randolph is convicted of the felony charge, however, he could be looking at more than legal trouble, as a conviction could see him banned from the NBA. Via theCommercial Appeal:
Former Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph could face similar penalties ex-teammate O.J. Mayo received in terms of being banned from the NBA for violation of the league's anti-drug policy.
The league's collective bargaining agreement with the players' association says a player will be dismissed and disqualified from the NBA if he is convicted of, or pleads guilty, no contest or nolo contendere to, a crime involving the felony distribution of marijuana.
Of course, such an outcome is a long ways away, but it goes to show how serious this charge is that Randolph is facing.
Earlier in the summer, the 36-year-old Randolph signed a two-year, $24 million deal with the Kings, leaving the Memphis Grizzlies after eight seasons with the club.
The Grizzlies have previously announced that they will retire Randolph's number.
