Allison facing pot charge
Receiver arrested after traffic stop
Green Bay — Green Bay Packers wide receiver Geronimo Allison was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana last month after a traffic stop and subsequent arrest in early September.
The district attorney’s office for Manitowoc County filed the charge on Dec. 15.
Allison, 22, was pulled over for speeding on Interstate 43 near Francis Creek at 1:19 p.m. on Sept. 4, according to a criminal complaint obtained by the Journal Sentinel. His Dodge rental car was clocked at 81 mph on a stretch of highway with a posted speed limit of 70 mph.
The complaint states trooper Bryan Ashenbrenner of the Wisconsin State Patrol smelled marijuana emanating from the car. Allison, who identified himself as a member of the Packers, denied smoking marijuana or having an illegal substance in the vehicle. He said the odor was left over from the night before when he was “with some guys that were smoking marijuana,” according to the narrative report.
But Ashenbrenner’s search of the vehicle produced three Backwoods cigars on the front passenger seat, and two of them were filled with a “green leafy material” that tested positive for THC.
Allison was placed under arrest for possession of marijuana and taken to the Manitowoc County Jail, where he declined to answer further questions. He was issued a citation for speeding and posted the $100 bond.
His first court appearance for the possession charge is scheduled for Jan. 23 in Manitowoc. The speeding ticket came with a $200.50 fine.
“The Packers are aware of the matter involving Geronimo Allison,” the team said in a statement Tuesday. “Because this is an ongoing legal matter, we will refrain from making any further comment.”
An NFL spokesman said the league was aware of the matter and would have no further comment at this time. The NFL does not take action on substanceabuse charges until after the court case is resolved. If Allison were to be convicted, he could face discipline under the league’s substance-abuse policy.
An undrafted rookie from Illinois, Allison signed with the Packers after the NFL draft. He piqued the interest of coach Mike McCarthy and his staff beginning in organized team activities and minicamp, when his smooth route running and reliable hands first became apparent.
As Allison parlayed his early success into a stellar training camp — the chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers was clear to see — the Packers believed him to be a legitimate prospect.
Though he did not make the 53-man roster, Allison quickly re-signed to the Packers’ practice squad and awaited his opportunity. He was promoted to the active roster Oct. 24 after general manager Ted Thompson placed receiver Jared Abbrederis on injured reserve.
Allison finished the regular season with 12 catches for 202 yards and two touchdowns. He made one catch for 8 yards against the New York Giants on Sunday.