Pubdate: Thu, 15 Feb 2018
Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN)
Copyright: 2018 The Leader-Post Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.leaderpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361
Author: Murray McCormick
Page: B5

COACH JONES TAKING WAIT-AND-SEE APPROACH ON CARTER'S POT CHARGES

Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach and general manager Chris Jones
remains "disappointed" in Duron Carter.

Carter faces charges for marijuana possession in Winnipeg and
Saskatoon.

"I was really disappointed because I had just come off the heels of
going down to Florida and spending good quality time with him and his
mom,'' Jones said Wednesday from his home in South Pittsburg, Tenn.

"It's like when a family member or a close friend gets into a
situation like that. I'm really disappointed because I thought we were
a bit beyond that thing. It's something that we'll wait and see what
the legal process goes through and what the authorities say. Then
we'll have more of a comment on exactly what happens with Duron.''

The 26-year-old receiver/defensive back was charged with possession of
a controlled substance after he was caught with more than 30 grams of
marijuana at the Winnipeg International Airport on Nov. 25. On Feb. 1,
Carter was charged with possession of marijuana at the Saskatoon
International Airport.

Carter's first possession charge is to be heard on Thursday in
Winnipeg Provincial Court. His Saskatoon court appearance is set for
March 27.

Jones said that he wasn't aware of the Winnipeg charge while meeting
with Carter in January.

"At that time, he just had the one (charge) and that was when he went
home and he didn't fill me in on it,'' Jones said. "I would rather
meet with him face to face where I can sit down with him in the same
room and get his take on it. We've had one conversation about it and
that's when he was in Saskatoon.

"He and I are going to sit down in the next little bit and discuss
what's going on and hopefully put these things behind him and grow up
a little bit.''

Jones added that the Riders have looked into Carter's legal
situation.

"It appears it will just be fine, but we'll have to wait and see,''
Jones said.

Under the current Criminal Code, possession of 30 grams of marijuana
for a first offence could lead to a $1,000 fine and a year in jail.
The second offence could be a $2,000 fine and two years in jail.

Even when marijuana is legalized in the summer, possession of more
than 30 grams would be illegal.

Carter is heading into his second season with the Riders after signing
a contract extension in January. In 2017, when Carter was named the
Riders' most outstanding player, he led them in receiving yards
(1,043) and was tied with Naaman Roosevelt for the team's lead in
touchdown catches (eight).
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MAP posted-by: Matt