The three University football players who made national headlines after each was charged with simple possession of marijuana soon might face only their punishments from UNC.
On Monday, Beverly Scarlett, assistant district attorney for Orange County, and the players' attorneys reached a deal: The charge against wide receiver Adarius Bowman was dismissed, and linebacker Fred Sparkman and defensive tackle Isaiah Thomas could have the charges against them dropped if they complete a 15-hour drug education program.
Scarlett said she spoke with the players' attorneys Monday after the University sophomores arrived for their first appearance in Orange County District Criminal Court.
The players were appearing in relation to an incident on Oct. 10, when all three players were arrested in Thomas' room in Connor Residence Hall and charged with simple possession of marijuana.
University police seized 5.8 grams of marijuana from the room, according to reports.
Scarlett said that because the incident did not occur in Bowman's room and because Bowman did not accept responsibility for the charge, she agreed to drop the charge against him.
Scarlett said she and the players attorneys' also agreed that if Sparkman and Thomas complete the drug education program before their next scheduled court appearance Jan. 20, the charges against them also will be dropped.
Scarlett said Sparkman, but not Thomas, had agreed to that arrangement as of Tuesday.
Scarlett added that Thomas had told her he was responsible for the players having marijuana.
