Charges dropped, Campbell tweets
Stamps all-star accused of selling crack cocaine
Calgary Stampeders fans are cautiously celebrating after reading the latest tweet on all-star cornerback Tommie Campbell’s Twitter account.
“All charges dropped,” read the tweet. “I’ll be making a statement at a later date. This has been a very difficult time for me and my family.”
Dozens of felony drug charges were laid against Campbell, 29, in connection with his arrest on Jan. 24 amid allegations he was selling drugs out of his mom’s house in Aliquippa, Pen.
At the time, Aliquippa police Chief Don Couch, told reporters his officers arrived at the house with a search warrant only to watch Campbell run away and jump the back fence.
Campbell’s lawyer did not return calls for comment and Postmedia could not independently confirm charges had been dropped.
Police alleged Campbell fumbled his Stampeders backpack that allegedly contained 180 grams of individually wrapped crack cocaine and $3,000 in cash. He faced 21 counts each of possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver, along with 10 counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, one count of flight to avoid apprehension and one count of tampering with evidence.
Upon hearing the news, Stamps fans understandably feared they had seen the last of the shutdown corner in a Calgary uniform.
All along, Campbell maintained his innocence. All along, the Stampeders kept No. 25 listed on the team roster.
The CFL club declined to comment, as team officials sought out more information through the player’s lawyer.
One thing never in doubt was Campbell’s on-field value to the Stamps.
A former NFLer with stops in Tennessee and Jacksonville, Campbell possesses a tantalizing blend of size, speed and sheer talent.
As such, the 6-foot-3, 203 pounder is routinely tasked with locking down the top receivers in the game such as Chris Williams, Emmanuel Arceneaux and Bryan Burnham.
From his spot on the boundary corner, Campbell collected 71 tackles and three interceptions last season.
He also pitched in with two tackles and a forced fumble in the Grey Cup loss to the Ottawa Redblacks.
SHORT YARDAGE: The Stamps have released international running back Tory Harrison. The back-up ball carrier played 24 regular-season games over the last two years, amassing 495 rushing yards, 250 receiving yards and 225 yards on returns.
“I thank Tory for all of his contributions to the Stampeders,” Stamps president and general manager John Hufnagel said in a news release.
“He is a talented player but injuries have unfortunately been a problem for him, and we have decided to move in a different direction.”