Miami Heat's Udonis Haslem Arrested, Faces Allegation of Drug Possession

Since Lebron James announced his "Decision" this summer, the Heat have been low-key.

Until Miami Heat Forward Udonis Haslem was arrested for speeding, illegal window-tinting and possessing marijuana (more than 20 grams) that is. The charge is a third-degree felony, which could bring maximum punishments of a $1,000 fine and a five-year prison sentence.

When and Where Did This Occur?

On Sunday, Haslem was stopped in a 2008 Mercedes Benz at 3:05 p.m. in Miami Dade County. According to police reports obtained by The Miami Herald, Haslem was driving at 78 MPH in a 60-MPH zone. 

That was the first violation.

Another article reported that the trooper smelled, "an odor of marijuana from the vehicle," which led to the arrest of Haslem and passenger Antwain Fleming, 33.

After the search, both men were arrested.  

How Does This Affect Haslem and His Contract?

Not only does this make him suspicious as to consumption of illegal drugs, it reflects badly on him and the league.

Haslem has spent seven years with the Heat, and the former University of Florida player signed a new five-year contract to stay with the team last month. Some speculate that because of drug violations/suspicions, he might not play early in the season.

Earlier this year, Haslem announced he would decline higher-paying offers elsewhere to stay in Miami and not only continue playing alongside Dwayne Wade, but stay to be teammates with acquisitions Lebron James and Chris Bosh as well.

The stay at Miami-Dade wasn't long; Haslem was released around 10 PM that day.

Charges Bring Upon Issues Later

Court records show Fleming will face a charge of possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana, a first-degree misdemeanor. It's unclear whether Haslem could face the other related charges. 

Eric Schwartzreich, Haslem's Attorney said, "we are confident Udonis Haslem will be vindicated." He goes on to say, "we have a situation where the passenger admits the marijuana was his and Mr. Haslem tells police nothing was in the vehicle."