So, are police officers just waiting outside of Chauncey Rivers’ home waiting for him to walk outside so they can slap the cuffs on him for yet another charge of marijuana possession? It would seem so. How is it even possible for one person to be stopped by police three times in seven months? How does said person then also have marijuana on him each time? After the first two stops? Finally, what’s the likelihood that the smoker also happens to be a defensive lineman at a virtual feeder school for the NFL who undoubtedly has been told at least once that being stopped by police for marijuana possession could ruin his football career? It all seems impossible, unlikely, a shot in the dark. Well, Chauncey Rivers just made it look easy. The trap was set, and Rivers walked right into it. Three times.
According to the DeKalb County, Georgia web site, Rivers, who was booked on Wednesday, is being charged with a felony violation of Georgia’s Controlled Substance Act, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, parking in a disabled parking spot, and keeping drugs in a container. The arrest follows two other offenses, the first last November when he and another teammate got caught with marijuana in a campus parking deck.
Apparently, the leadership at UGA had enough and Rivers was dismissed from the team on Friday. In a statement, head coach Kirby Smart said, “It’s extremely disappointing…He’s been given previous opportunities to remain on our football team but continues to exhibit a lack of good judgment and commitment to the standards we require and expect from our players. He’s put himself in a difficult position but we hope he finds a path that will provide some direction in his future.”
This is sad news for a Georgia son who had a bright future. Rivers attended Stephenson High School. Fans, family members, and most importantly, Rivers himself must be highly disappointed.