Jerome Simpson Sentenced to 15 Days in Jail for Drug-Related Charges

Cincinnati Bengals free-agent wide receiver Jerome Simpson has been sentenced to 15 days in jail and three years of probation on drug charges, according to a report from the Associated Press.

According to an AP report from March, Simpson was under fire because he had two pounds of Marijuana shipped directly to his house in September just before the start of the 2011 season. The package was tracked by agents from California, and another pound of marijuana was found in Simpson's house when a search was conducted by authorities.

Simpson was originally indicted on a felony charge of marijuana trafficking. When he chose to plead guilty in March, a plea agreement changed the charge to a prohibited act relating to controlled substances.

Despite the lesser charge, Simpson was facing a potential 60-day jail sentence. The judge in the case decided to lessen Simpson's sentence at a Thursday hearing.

Simpson had his best season as a pro in 2011, playing in all 16 of Cincinnati's games and catching 50 passes for 725 yards and four touchdowns. Given his impending free agency, Simpson's breakout season was well-timed.

However, there has been little interest in Simpson's services so far this offseason, though Joe Reedy of The Enquirer has reported that the Bengals have not closed the door on re-signing Simpson and Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has reported that Simpson worked out for the Rams this week.

Now that Simpson's future has been determined, it stands to reason that he will sign a contract after he completes his jail sentence. It is not clear when he will begin it.