Jonathan Babineaux, Falcons DT arrested on Marijuana possession

by Frank Liao | December 11, 2009 at 09:33 am

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Atlanta Falcons Defensive Tackle Jonathan Babineaux, 28, was arrested late last night on marijuana possession with intent to deliver. A Gwinnett county (GA) police officer pulled Babineaux's 2005 Cadillac Escalade over on Interstate 85 near Hamilton road at 10:45 PM last night because of equipment violation and an expired registration. The officer smelled a potent marijuana stench coming from the car and found 41 grams of marijuana in 3 bags.

"During the stop an odor of marijuana could be smelled by the officer coming from the interior of the vehicle," Schiralli said in the release. "Gwinnett County Police K9 responded to the location and a positive alert to the odor of narcotics was given by the dog."

Both Babineaux and the passenger of the SUV, Aaron Robinson, 25, were arrested on marijuana possession with intent to deliver. Babineaux faces multiple charges, including possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, lack of driver's license, expired registration, faulty tag light, and tinted windows that are too dark. Both men were released from jail around 5AM after posting a $8,300 bond.

"STATEMENT FROM FALCONS SPOKESMAN REGARDING JONATHAN BABINEAUX

“We are aware of the situation concerning Jonathan Babineaux and are in the process of gathering information. Because this is a legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”"

Babineaux was previously arrested in 2007 on animal cruelty charges after killing his girlfriend's pitbull, although the charges were dropped nine months later. Babineax claimed that he killed the dog out of self defense. The dog was acting wildly and Babineaux felt like he needed to protect his five month old daughter who was in the house at the time.

Babineaux was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2005. He signed a five year, 25 million contract extension in November, 2008.

Babineaux is expected to play this Sunday at home against the New Orleans Saints (12-0). The NFL may decide to impose discipline on Babineaux for his arrest under the league's substance abuse policy, which covers criminal charges arising from alcohol or drug use.