Bri'onte Dunn: Ohio State RB Charged with Marijuana Possession and Paraphernalia

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bri’onte Dunn received a citation Saturday night for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop in Canton, Ohio, according to CantonRep.com.

UPDATE: Tuesday, July 31, 1:40 p.m. ET by Donald Wood

After being stopped Saturday evening for a traffic stop and being cited for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, the charges against Bri'onte Dunn have been changed.

Dunn will not be charged with possession, but instead disorderly conduct and other minor infractions.

The Canton Repository is reporting about the recent developments in this case and how his mother took the heat over the contents of the car:

"

After a complete review of the police reports, supplemental narratives from officers, witness statements and about a 30-minute police cruiser video, Alliance City Law Director Andrew Zumbar has authorized the filing of disorderly conduct and a seat belt violation charges against Ohio State freshman running back Bri’onte Dunn and his passenger. He will not face drug charges...Dunn’s mother, Donna, arrived at the scene of the traffic stop, Zumbar said, and said the minute amount of marijuana was present in the vehicle previous to Dunn using it.

"

The big key here is that there will be no drug charges. With a very minor situation now, the freshman running back will likely be suspended for one game, but his reputation and Ohio State career is safe.

Let’s hope that Dunn learns from this mistake and appreciates his life and his time at Ohio State as a student-athlete. Urban Meyer and the coaching staff will do their best to keep the young star in line.

----------End of Update----------

The Canton Repository is reporting about the incident and what was found when police investigated Dunn’s vehicle:

"

Police observed Dunn driving on E. Broadway Street when he almost ran the blinking red light at Arch Avenue, traveled over the crosswalk and almost struck a patrol car, according to a police report.

Police stopped Dunn for the violation, and he and his passenger were found to have a wooden pipe used for smoking marijuana, along with less than 200 grams of marijuana on the seat cushions and floor boards where he was seated. A small amount of marijuana was also found in the driver’s door pocket, according to the police report.

"

The freshman tailback was the star of GlenOak High School and ranked No. 11 by Rivals.com before committing to Ohio State. With his arrest, there are serious questions about how the Buckeyes will react to Dunn’s indiscretions.

What It Means

Dunn was one of the best recruits in the Ohio State program and was slated to be a big part of head coach Urban Meyer’s plan in the backfield going forward.

That is all in jeopardy now.

If the report of “less than 200 grams of marijuana” is correct, that is grounds for a misdemeanor.

The Buckeyes must suspend Dunn indefinitely and wait until the court case is settled before making their final decision. The last thing they want to do is jump to conclusions with such a young athlete.

What’s Next?

A troubled star may have no better place to find guidance than under the tutelage of Urban Meyer, who proved with the Florida Gators that he knows how to handle trouble and help his student-athletes grow.

Dunn may have been immediately dismissed on another team, but Meyer takes great pride in his ability to reform an athlete.

Depending on how severe the punishment is from his arrest, though, the Buckeyes may have no choice but to cut ties with the star. Not a good way to start a college career.

Check back for more on the NCAA football as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s College Football page to get your fill of college football.

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