Updates on Akeem Spence's Reported Arrest for Drug Possession

Fresh off a successful rookie season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, defensive tackle Akeem Spence finds himself in hot water after an arrest stemming from drug charges, according to NorthEscambia.com.

Per the report, Spence was pulled over in Flomaton, Ala. on the afternoon of Jan. 14 after an Alabama State Trooper clocked his vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph. The trooper reportedly found an unspecified amount of marijuana in the vehicle, which led to Spence being arrested and booked. 

Spence was charged with second degree unlawful possession of marijuana as well as unlawful possession of a controlled substance before being released on $3,000 bond.

It is unclear what this means for Spence and the Buccaneers moving forward, but it is certainly a speed bump en route to what appeared to be a burgeoning career.

There is never an ideal time for a player to put himself in this type of situation, but Spence's timing is especially bad since the Bucs are in transition. Greg Schiano was fired as head coach, and he has since been replaced by Lovie Smith.

In Smith's introductory press conference, he discussed handling and motivating his players, according to Buccaneers.com.

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This is what I've found from men: They will do whatever you ask them to do if you look them in the eye and they feel like you know what you're talking about and you have a plan. I never had a hard time. I've dealt with very few players I haven’t been able to motivate and get them to do what we ask them to do. They'll listen.

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Spence ought to take Smith's words to heart since he may find himself on a short leash, especially since Smith has no allegiances to any players who are already on the roster.

As a fourth-round pick out of Illinois, the 22-year-old Spence started 14 games and racked up 29 tackles along with one sack.

NFL Network's Ben Fennell was especially impressed with his ability to take on blockers over the course of the season.

There should be room for a player like Spence on Smith's defense, but there are likely some fences that must be mended before Smith can fully trust his troubled player.

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