Syracuse WR Marcus Sales charged with Marijuana & other drug-related felonies

Syacuse starting wide receiver Marcus Sales will be looking to build on his three touchdown bowl game performance when he hits the field this fall. Unfortunately, his return to the field is now in jeopardy after Sales was charged with multiple drug-related felonies on Friday night. The Post-Standard is reporting that Sales was pulled over after running a red light near Midland and Ballantyne avenues in Syracuse. Sales was in the car with his brother, Michael. According to police reports, Sales was driving a vehicle officers saw pass through a red light without stopping at Midland and Ballantyne avenues.

There was an odor of marijuana in the car and Sales did not have a driver’s license with him but showed police an SU identification card. Police found three knotted pieces of plastic containing a green plant-like substance that tested positive for marijuana, a plastic baggie containing 180 Lortab (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) tablets, three digital scales, a plastic cup with gin and other baggies with devil, superman and pit bull insignias on them. Police said Sales admitted he had been drinking the alcohol. Marcus Sales had $250 in cash in his possession and Michael Sales Jr. had $747 in cash, police reported.

Both were charged with fifth- and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana. The fifth-degree possession charge accuses them of possessing the pills with intent to sell them based on the number of pills and packaging material found, police reported. Marcus Sales also was charged with passing a red light, consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle and violating the city’s open container law, police reported.

This is the second incident in the last several days threatening the status of a Syracuse skill position player. Backup running back and kick returner Prince-Tyson Gulley was stabbed early Friday during a campus brawl. Head coach Doug Marrone issued a statement on Sales’ arrest Sunday afternoon. “We are aware of the charges against Marcus Sales,” Marrone said in the statement. “We will continue to work with the proper authorities and the university, and will handle the matter internally, according to the university and Athletics Department policies.”

Sales was not even initially on the depth chart at the beginning of the 2010 season, but worked his way into the rotation by season’s end. In Syracuse’s 36-34 win over Kansas State in the Pinstripe Bowl, Sales pulled in five catches for 172 yards and three touchdowns. He is expected to be the starting receiver in 2011 opposite senior Van Chew.

Syracuse WR Marcus Sales charged with Marijuana & other drug-related felonies, 10.0 out of 10 based on 2 ratings