Traces of cocaine, marijuana found in Boston's blood

ESPN ^ | 4-23-02 | By Len Pasquarelli

[FlJoePa]

Traces of cocaine, marijuana found in Boston's blood

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By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver David Boston will be charged with misdemeanor DUI, after a recent toxicology screen revealed traces of cocaine and marijuana in his system, a spokesman for the Phoenix Police Department told ESPN.com on Tuesday evening.

A blood test was administered after an incident last month in which a citizen allegedly witnessed the Cardinals star driving erratically, followed him home, and phoned police. Sergeant Lauri Williams confirmed the results of the toxicology screen and said that the matter has been turned over to the city prosecutor's office.

Williams said the tests showed no presence of alcohol. She said that the severity of the sanctions in such a case typically depend on a person's past record and on the discretion of the judge involved in the case.

Boston, 23, is a three-year veteran and arguably the top player on the Arizona roster. He led the NFL in total receiving yards (1,598) in 2001 and earned a spot on the Pro Bowl team. The former Ohio State star was the team's first-round draft choice in 1999.

Neither Boston nor his agent could be reached for comment. The league did not issue an immediate comment on the charges.

Typically in such cases, however, the league allows for due process before levying any potential sanctions. The charges are likely to be reviewed under the league substance abuse policy and Boston could face a fine or suspension.

After a disappointing rookie season, Boston blossomed in 2000, catching 71 passes for 1,156 yards and seven touchdowns. He had 98 receptions and eight touchdowns in 2001. The native of Humble, Tex., is entering the final season of his contract and, barring an extension, would be eligible for unrestricted free agency next spring.

Boston is the son of NFL line judge Byron Boston.

[FlJoePa]

This story downright scares me. I'm no big David Boston fan, but what the hell?!

Someone can now just follow you home, call the police, claim you were driving "erratically", and you have to submit to blood tests? Huh?

This has the work of some MADD busybody written all over it.

[ThinkLikeWaterAndReeds]

After all, how can anyone nowdays play football without pot and coke?

[FlJoePa]

I think you're missing the point here.

[RangeRatt]

Or, on the other hand, you could wind up with a concerned citizen who you cut off while "driving erratcially", who dials 911 on the cell phone, concerned not only for your safety, but his own and everyone elses, and wind up with a warning when the LEO pulls you over, finds you not under the influence of anything, only that you "cut a lane" trying to locate your CD case, cell phone, etc...happens every day, and I, for one, wish more people would become involved instead of ignoring such actions.

[ARA]

huh!

[Moonman62]

This story downright scares me. I'm no big David Boston fan, but what the hell?! Someone can now just follow you home, call the police, claim you were driving "erratically", and you have to submit to blood tests? Huh? This has the work of some MADD busybody written all over it.

For all you know he may have given the blood voluntarily, or the police may have had probable cause or gotten a warrant after interviewing him.

[newwahoo]

He kicked butt this year, regardless of the fact that he's a Cardinal. Maybe it was the drugs..

[AF68]

I'm sure glad that loser Bill Bidwell moved his loser franchise to Phoenix. The Rams get to kick their @ss twice this season.

[AF68]

Same ol' Bill Bidwell, only more so. He's a guy everyone eventually loves to hate. Who ever said ya can't get rich marketing an inferior product?

[DennisR]

Hm...sounds so very much like what we went through with the Mariners new field.

[vin-one]

this is very very scary, if it had been me I would have answered
the door with a beer in my hand, and told the LEO kiss off
I even had a state trooper tell me if i was ever out drinking and
driving always keep and extra un-opened beer handy.
as soon as the cop walks up pop it open and jug it down.
she said no DWI just a DIP , never have had the opportunity to try it.
This case should be thrown out before it ever gets anywhere.

[EBUCK]

Someone can now just follow you home, call the police, claim you were driving "erratically", and you have to submit to blood tests? Huh?

In a word. Yes. This is the result of the ongoing gubment push to get us to rat each other out. The tipster probably got a lil somethin' somethin' for his/her trouble too. Welcome to the police state, enjoy your stay (er, um roll-over, sit, play dead).

EBUCK