By Nathan Hardin
nhardin@salisburypost.com
Rowan County deputies cited Carolina Panthers practice squad player Lawrence Wilson on Wednesday after authorities said he had 11 grams of marijuana.
According to a Rowan County Sheriff’s Office report, Lawrence Jamal Wilson, the Panthers’ sixth-round choice in 2011, was stopped on Interstate 85 near the Innes Street intersection at about 4:20 p.m.
Deputy Patrick Jones reported that Wilson was driving a gray 2006 Infinity and was going 76 mph in a 65 mph-zone.
The 23-year-old linebacker told the officer that he did not have his driver’s license with him, but did have his work ID.
Jones reported that he smelled the odor of marijuana on Wilson and asked him to place his hands behind his back.
The report said Jones put one hand in handcuffs, but Wilson began tensing up and “would not comply” with instructions.
After Jones called for additional units, the report said, Wilson stated that he “had a break from his job” and was on his way to Virginia. The Panthers do not have a game this week.
Deputies found probable cause to search the vehicle and seized 11 grams, or .39 ounces, of marijuana, the report said.
According to the report, the University of Connecticut alumni began to cry and asked what this was going to do to his career. He had been moved to the practice squad on Sept. 5.
Wilson was cited for misdemeanor possession of marijuana and speeding.
Panthers officials declined to comment about the incident on Thursday.