Texas running back Cedric Benson was arrested early Saturday morning on charges of alleged possession of marijuana under two ounces, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of alcohol by a minor.
The arrest was made in Benson's hometown of Midland, but the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year posted bond Saturday morning and was back on campus Monday.
Marijuana possession is a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in up to six months in prison and a $2,000 dollar fine. The other two charges are Class C misdemeanors and can carry a fine of up to $500.
"We got a call about 2 o'clock on Saturday morning about loud music and loud noise in the Windtree Apartments," said Tina Jauz, a representative of the Midland Police Department. "The officers responded, and gained entry into the apartment. They found both Mr. Benson and a female, and both were arrested on the Class B misdemeanor and on both Class C misdemeanors."
According to the Midland County Detention Center, Benson and Melanie Robinson, 20, arrived at the center at 2:17 a.m. Saturday. Both posted the bond of $1,365 later that morning.
According to Jauz, Benson and Robinson originally wouldn't let Midland Officer Jeff Handley enter the apartment, but eventually relented. Sgt. Dale Seago told the Midland Reporter-Telegram that Benson has not been targeted due to his fame, because, "nobody really knew who was who."
However, Brian Carney, Benson's Midland lawyer, doubted the validity of the arrest in an interview with television station News 8 Austin.
"It's a pretty bad scenario for Cedric having to endure this type of publicity for something he didn't do," Carney told the TV station. "Cedric did not commit the offense he has been charged with. The search that transpired is definitely going to be an issue in this case. Cedric Benson is a nice kid ... and it's a shame that this has happened. We're all very disappointed in the Midland police."
In the fall, the running back led the Longhorns in rushing (1,053 yards), all purpose yards (1,256 yards), and touchdowns (13), despite starting only seven games.
"Cedric's a great young man who we've really enjoyed having in our program," Texas head coach Mack Brown said in a press release. "We have talked with him and are aware of the situation that happened this weekend. Right now we are gathering as much information as we can. Obviously it is a legal issue, and we cannot say anything further."
Brown did not disclose what punishment, if any, Benson would receive from the football program.
"One thing we have really prided ourselves on in our program is our family atmosphere, and this will be handled within our family," Brown said.
Benson also was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 12th round of the baseball draft and had planned on playing in their minor league system this summer. A Dodgers spokesperson said that the team had not contacted Benson and therefore could not comment on any disciplinary procedures at this time.
Benson also was not available for comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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