Associated Press
STATESVILLE ó A former college basketball star has been arrested and accused of operating a sophisticated marijuana growing operation from his North Carolina home.
Thirty-one-year-old Rodney White was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Iredell County. White is facing conspiracy to manufacture marijuana and other charges. He was arrested this week at his home with Nicole Jackson, who also is also facing drug charges. Investigators did not say what her relationship was to White.
Sheriffís Capt. Darren Campbell said police found an elaborate underground bunker for growing pot at Whiteís home. Inside were grow lights, drying racks and planting materials. Police also found firearms.
ěAnytime you can get a plant to pollinate and grow out of a building, itís pretty sophisticated. You have to have lights, you have to have a water system,î he said.
Campbell said three young children were in the house when White and Jackson were arrested.
White led UNC Charlotteís basketball team to the 2001 NCAA tournament and was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the NBA draft that year. He was the 9th overall pick in the draft.
He played for several teams, but has been out of the NBA since 2005. He had been playing international basketball and had signed a contract in June to play this season with a team in South Korea.