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Thursday, July 18, 2002

By Nate Guidry, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

Steelers offensive right tackle Marvel Smith was arrested Friday in Tempe, Ariz., after police smelled marijuana wafting from his hotel room.

Smith, 23, has been charged with one count of possession of marijuana, a felony in Arizona.

Ron Wahl, the Steelers' public relations director, said they were aware of the situation and "we're looking into it. But at this point we don't have any significant details so we can't comment on it until we get all of the information. It is a situation we will monitor closely as the details become available."

If convicted, Smith may be subject to discipline by the NFL because this is not the first time he has been in trouble for using marijuana. In 1998, Smith tested positive for marijuana, but because that was while he was a college junior,, it is unknown whether Smith would be disciplined as a first- or second-time offender.

There's a significant difference because a second-time offender, according to the NFL policy handbook, likely would face a suspension.

Asked about possible league sanctions, Wahl said, "Again, there is always a possibility of that, but we don't have enough details of the situation to speculate."

Dan Masters, public information sergeant for the Tempe police, said that around 11:45 p.m. July 12, an officer on horseback was patrolling outside the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel when he smelled marijuana coming from an open window. The hotel is in downtown Tempe, next to the police station.

Two other officers who were patrolling the area on bicycles contacted hotel security and were told that several guests had complained about the smell. Masters said officers went to at least one other room before knocking on the door where Smith was staying.

Police asked Smith who was in the room with him and he replied "just my wife." Masters said Smith acknowledged having hidden some marijuana in his shoe. Police characterized that amount as a "usable quantity."

Smith, a 6-foot-5, 315-pounder, was a second-round draft pick out of Arizona State in 2000. He became the first rookie offensive lineman to start his first game for the Steelers in the 2000 opener against Baltimore. He became the full-time starting right tackle halfway through his rookie season and has been the starter since.

Post-Gazette sports writers Paul Zeise and Ed Bouchette contributed to this report.