Udonis Haslem joined the NBA as a power forward for the Miami Heat in 2003 and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in that year.Udonis Haslem purchased a home in Davie, Florida in 2005 then sold the home in 2007. In the same year, Udonis Haslem purchased a home in nearby Southwest Ranches, which he still owns. Haslem paid $3.2 million for the home which includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, swimming pool, media room, and has 9,881 square feet.
Udonis Haslem's house in Southwest Ranches, Florida.Haslem had a new swimming pool added to the home in 2009.
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| Photo: Hip-Hop Postal |
| Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat is not only facing felony marijuana charges -- he could also lose his Mercedes. |
The Florida Highway Patrol said Haslem, 30, was busted for felony possession of marijuana in excess of 20 grams, reports Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
A passenger in the vehicle, Antwain Fleming, was also charged with misdemeanor possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis. Fleming acknowledged in the police report that luggage found in the car and containing the marijuana was his.
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| Photo: NBA.com |
| Udonis Haslem |
Haslem's black 2008 Mercedes sedan was impounded after the arrest, and on Monday the state of Florida filed notice that it will attempt to permanently seize the vehicle.
The felony charges were filed "because of Udonis Haslem is," his attorney, Eric Schwartzreich, said on Monday. "Udonis Haslem shouldn't be charged with anything."
"He's a little rattled," Schwartzreich said, reported The Associated Press. "He's upset. He doesn't know how he can be charged with this."
Haslem also acknowledged possession of a firearm in the vehicle at the time of the stop.
"There's nothing illegal with that whatsoever," Schwartzreich said. "It's not going to elevate the charges. I expect no charges in connection of that. That's lawful possession of a firearm."
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| Photo: Doug Benc/Getty Images |
Haslem, 30, was arrested after a traffic stop that also resulted in the former University of Florida standout being written up for speeding and illegal window tint.
He was cited for traveling 78 mph in a 60-mph zone. Haslem was also charged with four counts of possessing "drug paraphernalia."
Haslem, of Southwest Ranches, Fla., has never before been linked to marijuana or other substance issues during his seven seasons with the Miami Heat.
"Mr. Haslem was traveling eastbound on the Gratigny between 42 and 57 Avenue at approximately 3:05 p.m.," the Florida Highway Patrol statement reads. "During the traffic stop the trooper smelled an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle."
Passenger Fleming, who was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana, is not associated with the Heat.
The arresting officer pulled Haslem's forearm during the stop, with the NBA star then telling him, "I'm a professional ball player."
Haslem then admitted there was a gun in the glove box, according to the report, saying he was "not aware" of drugs in the vehicle. Haslem signed a consent form for the search.
After the initial search, while awaiting the arrival of K9 drug dogs, Haslem tried to retract his consent to search, according to the report.
Haslem's felony count of marijuana possession could theoretically get him five years in prison, a $5,000 fine and two years of driver's license suspension. A misdemeanor marijuana charge carries a $1,000 fine and 12-month license suspension in Florida.
"By law, this is called constructive possession, where the marijuana is not on anyone's person, there are two people in the vehicle, and one of the people in the vehicle, that being the passenger, not Udonis Haslem, says, 'Hey, this is my marijuana,'" Schwartzreich said. "To further bolster the veracity of that statement, inside the bag, where the marijuana is found, are documents bearing the name of the passenger."
"So it's not just one of these situations where the guy is claiming it or stepping up," Schwartzreich said. "Legitimately, the bag is found with the guy's name. The guy says, 'This is my marijuana.'"
Schwartzreich said he could not see the case rising to the level of a vehicle forfeiture.
"They would have to have proof, in which there isn't any, that this was Udonis Haslem's marijuana, he knew that it was in the car, and that a felony was being committed," Schwartzreich said. "I do not thin, believe, they will be able to get this vehicle."
Haslem was taken to the Miami-Dade County Jail and released later on Sunday.
"He is our anchor, he is a true warrior and a great professional," Heat president Pat Rileyt said of Haslem in July, after Haslem said he would refuse higher-paying offers from elsewhere to stay in Miami.
Haslem signed a new, five-year contract with the Heat last month, shortly before mourning the death of his mother due to cancer.
During his NBA career, Haslem has averaged 10 points and 8.1 rebounds for Miami, helping the Heat win the 2006 NBA championship.
According to the NBA's "Marijuana Program," a player who commits an initial violation must enter the league's counseling program.
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