MichFan1997

June 11th, 2009 at 3:27 PM ^

If his future isn't in jeopardy, then this isn't newsworthy to me because we've had players in trouble too. (Not saying I want his future to be in jeopardy, just that I don't care about the story unless he is)

jg2112

June 11th, 2009 at 3:27 PM ^

for pot? Come on. This is Ohio State you're talking about. They hand it out at the freshmen football orientation. Worst punishment: redshirt.

ColsBlue

June 11th, 2009 at 3:41 PM ^

He has been charged with possession of 20+ grams, a third degree felony in Florida. Seems to be more significant than the occasional bong hit. I do think a 5-star recruit charged with a felony is note worthy.

His Dudeness

June 11th, 2009 at 3:57 PM ^

Ugh this is so silly. It is legal in some states by state law and still illegal by Federal Law in all states... the line is blurry. Obviously this kid wasn't selling to medicinal card holders, but the laws are just stupid and it should be legal anyways. I have known far more people killed/injured from alcohol abuse. /end rant

His Dudeness

June 11th, 2009 at 4:33 PM ^

The thing is it is legal in some states. So there are legit medicinal stores where you flash your card and you can legally buy it. The Feds have thier own set of laws that see over the entire nation so they can come in and bust your shop at any time. This is very strange to me because you are running a legit and legal business ans then the Feds roll in as they see fit and bust your operation? That seems really rediculous in so many ways. It boggles my mind.

dex

June 11th, 2009 at 4:50 PM ^

... i am well versed in the intricacies of marijuana law. i wrote my final paper for my state government class at M on the overlap between federal and state law re: medical marijuana. it's a sticky situation, but obama has claimed at certain points that the federal government will not make it a priority to interfere with states that have passed medical laws, but we'll see what happens. in the next 25 years, you'll be able to buy pot at the store (and, alternatively, grow it at home) with no penalty. book it.

brose

June 11th, 2009 at 4:58 PM ^

I'll be the old, bald guy whose kids are embarrassed about him smoking pot in the shed at family picnics...cant they legalize it now....my kid is too young to be embarrased by me today. Reminds me of when Homer hears that the super deep fryer can flash fry a buffalo in 30 seconds and Homer replies, "But I want it now"

turbo cool

June 11th, 2009 at 4:13 PM ^

Good for Jamal Berry? c'mon. When you're a top recruit like him that's just dumb. I sorta feel like a hypocrite b/c after growing up in a2 then spending my college days spending more money on ... than books but I also was just a normal student with no moral expectations or responsibilities. It's a tough lesson to learn, but as a football player of his caliber you just can't be acting the same as a normal student.

WolvinLA

June 11th, 2009 at 4:31 PM ^

True. It reminds me of the dinner table conversation I had with my parents after the police caught me with a small amount of marijuana when I was young. Mom: "Oh my goodness I can't believe my son is on drugs!" Dad: "I can't believe you got caught. Your dumb ass uncle and I never got caught."

WolvinLA

June 12th, 2009 at 4:39 PM ^

They are different, but not unrelated. If one goes bad but not the other, it's an easier fix. If American people and companies are making a lot of money, the government has more avenues to fix the budget deficit, and vice versa. That said, this falls under both. Legalizing and thus taxing marijuana would both create (legal) jobs (economy), and create revenue for the government (budget deficit).

arod

June 11th, 2009 at 4:45 PM ^

line is really blurry. I was kinda confused as to whether smoking a joint or selling pot was legal in Florida. Oh, wait, no I wasn't, because I'm not a fucking retard. Unless you are in a state that has enacted a medical marijuana law and you have a prescription/license card, it is illegal to smoke pot (in fact, it's still illegal then because the federal law supercedes the state law, but you're much less likely to be prosecuted). I don't have problem with people who smoke pot, but don't fucking act like you don't know whether it is illegal. /end rant

Magnus

June 11th, 2009 at 4:40 PM ^

It doesn't matter whether you agree with it or not. Marijuana is illegal. Therefore, he should be punished. There are a lot of laws and rules that we have to follow that we don't like. Until those rules are changed, they should be followed. It's really not that difficult to avoid doing illegal things. It's a choice, and some people make bad ones. For the kid's sake, I hope he learns a lesson from this incident.

flysociety3

June 11th, 2009 at 4:50 PM ^

Kid's a jack-pine... way to go. If I had a scholarship worth $100,000, I would most likely hold off on making a couple hundred on sellin' the smurf.

Yinka Double Dare

June 11th, 2009 at 5:13 PM ^

He's probably regretting not coming to Michigan now, although sounds like he had more than just the $25 ticket level. Favorite part about Ann Arbor cops is that some will openly tell people (of age) that they bust for open container that they should have been smoking a joint because it would have saved them a hundred bucks. This happened to a couple of my fellow law school classmates -- walking between parties with those ubiquitous red Solo cups full of beer and the cops stopped them and ticketed them.

ColsBlue

June 11th, 2009 at 5:46 PM ^

So, 20 grams equals 0.7 ounces. For the casual user, grass is usually purchased in eighths of an ounce for around $20. An eighth is approximately a hot dog's worth of pot. An ounce may sell for around $120 (volume discount). So, 20 grams, or 0.7 ounces may sell for around $100-120 and would be a six pack of hot dogs or slightly larger than a baseball. Hardly enough to justify a felony charge. Er, I mean, I don't know - how much is 20 grams???

mblood7

June 11th, 2009 at 6:01 PM ^

An ounce is a lil more than 28 grams, and depending on the quality sold anywhere from 150-300. Then you start lacing it with narcotics and the price keeps going up. Misdemeanor are 6 grams and below, 6+ is a felony and 14+ adds on the charges of intent to sell and drug trafficing. (well thats in Mich not sure about ohio or Florida.) In ohio berry will probably get a congratulations and a business degree!

jmblue

June 11th, 2009 at 6:09 PM ^

Actually, assuming that the above poster has a respectable job, it's very much debatable whether or not Berry will end up making more money in his life. Most college football players either won't make pro football or will have brief careers (and frequently, squander what money they do make). It's very common for these guys to be broke, or close to it, five years after their careers are over. I agree that he probably will get to fuck pretty girls while he's in college, though.

mblood7

June 11th, 2009 at 6:11 PM ^

No not really he worked hard and deserves the money and girls! I had potential and was lazy growing up I don't deserve those accolades. It bothers me that he would waste his talent by getting arrested though!

mblood7

June 11th, 2009 at 6:19 PM ^

I'm just a very passionate Michigan fan. My avatar doesn't reflect my personality beyond Michigan sports. I'm actually a very calm laid back person with a respectable job. Also I think my girlfriend is hotter than any girl JB may sleep with. (she's standing right behind me)

WolvinLA

June 11th, 2009 at 6:29 PM ^

I want to know where you're buying an 8th for 20 bucks. I couldn't find weed that cheap when I was in high school. I can't remember the last time I paid less than 60. Med-grade what!

jamiemac

June 11th, 2009 at 7:57 PM ^

In northern Ohio, you can find a quarter of good stuff for $100. The run of the mill stuff is in the 50-60 range. In Chicago, the equivalent top shelf quality is around $160. But, yeah, I dont know this from experience. Coach BT told me about the Ohio prices. That dude has inside sources everywhere.