Following an August incident in which Browns receiver Antonio Callaway was cited for marijuana possession and driving with a suspended license, the rookie fourth-round-pick has pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Browns Receiver Antonio Callaway Pleads Not Guilty for Marijuana Possession
Ahead of his October 4th court date, Callaway’s lawyer, Kevin Spellacy sent a letter with his client’s plea to the Strongsville Mayor’s Court.
Back on August 5th, Callaway was stopped by Cleveland officers at a routine traffic stop just before 3 AM. During the stop, police found a small amount of marijuana (around .05 grams) and determined that the receiver was driving on a suspended license.
According to Spellacy, someone else was driving his client’s car before the incident occurred. This corroborates with Callaway’s own story. At the time of the stop, the receiver said his car had been shipped to him in Cleveland just a few days before the incident.
“Other people had access who had used his car,” Spellacy said to Cleveland.com back in August. “I provided them with a shipping receiving receipt. The car was delivered approximately three days before he was stopped (at 2:59 a.m. on Aug. 5). It was brought up from Florida. The amount of marijuana was .05 grams. It’s basically smaller than a dime, and it was under the seat.”
As for the suspended license, Spellacy claims there was a paperwork issue stemming from Callaway’s move from Florida to Cleveland.
“His license is valid,” Spellacy said. “He had an outstanding ticket that had to be paid. He had actually paid the ticket, but the paperwork had not be sent to the Department of Motor Vehicles. They kind of crossed in the mail, so to speak. The infraction was taken care of, but the paperwork hasn’t caught up.”
The Browns drafted Callaway in the fourth round of this past NFL draft, despite some prior off-the-field issues. Last year, Callaway was suspended from Florida for his role in a credit card fraud case. Then, in February, Callaway tested positive for marijuana during the NFL Draft combine.
While many draft analysts considered Callaway a first-round talent, his off-the-field concerns dropped him to the fourth round. Callaway remains in Stage 1 of the NFL’s substance abuse program after his failed drug test.
But despite his myriad of run-ins, the Browns have stood by Callaway since the August 5th incident. Following the trades of former first-round pick Corey Coleman and oft-troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon, head coach Hue Jackson elevated Callaway to the starting lineup. On the season, the rookie wideout has 10 receptions for 155 yards and one touchdown over three starts.
Following the not guilty plea, Callaway’s case will now be taken to the Berea Municipal Court. It is unclear at this time how the case will ultimately move forward.
