Oklahoma's Jalen Saunders, Cortez Johnson Arrested for Alleged Drug Possession

The Oklahoma Sooners were supposed to have a Sunday filled with hope and anticipation about a potential BCS berth. But wide receiver Jalen Saunders and defensive back Cortez Johnson have altered those plans. 

According to Jason Kersey of The Oklahoman, Saunders and Johnson were arrested following a complaint that they were in possession of a controlled substance:

"

#Sooners WR Jalen Saunders and DB Cortez Johnson arrested on complaint of possession of controlled substance. OU spokesman declines comment

— Jason Kersey (@jasonkersey) December 2, 2012"

In a more detailed piece for The Oklahoman, Kersey and Stephanie Kuzydym report that Saunders was arrested for possession of marijuana. The specific substance of which Johnson was in possession, though, is not revealed.

Saunders played a huge role for the Sooners offense in 2012. He was third on the team in receptions (53), yards (766) and touchdowns (3). His 14.5 yards-per-reception average was the best on the team among players with at least 10 catches. 

A junior in 2012, Saunders transferred from Fresno State, where he spent the first two seasons of his college career. He had over 1,000 yards as a sophomore in 2011, with 12 touchdown catches and an astounding 21.3 yards per catch. 

There was some controversy with Saunders over his transfer, as the NCAA originally declared him ineligible for the 2012 season. But he appealed the decision and was allowed to play starting in the Sooners' fifth game of the season. 

Meanwhile, Johnson transferred to Oklahoma this season after spending 2011 with the Arizona Wildcats. He started two games with the Wildcats before making the move to Oklahoma.

Unlike Saunders, though, Johnson had to sit out this season because of the transfer. He will be eligible to play next season. 

The Sooners clinched a share of the Big 12 championship on Saturday, defeating TCU by a score of 24-17. Depending on how things shake out with the BCS rankings, they could get a bid to the Sugar Bowl against Florida. 

Follow @adamwells1985