Sun Devil's smokin' reefer in the Evil Heat

[mccutcheon]

TUCSON, Ariz. -- A University of Arizona football player was arrested on drug trafficking charges after he was stopped in Illinois with 87 pounds of marijuana, authorities said.


Junior tight end Justin Levasseur was arrested around 9:15 a.m. Tuesday after an Illinois State Police trooper pulled over for speeding the truck that Levasseur was driving, said Sgt. Thomas J. Burek.

Levasseur was a part of a late-season controversy involving Arizona coach John Mackovic, who admitted to berating the player during a game against UCLA on Nov. 9.

Levasseur said Mackovic called him "a disgrace to his family" and "an embarrassment to the team."

Levasseur, a 22-year-old from Antioch, Calif., led all Arizona tight ends with 11 catches for 143 yards. He caught two touchdown passes in Arizona's 52-41 victory over California this season, a week after Mackovic had criticized his play.


The trooper found 87 pounds of marijuana in the truck, Burek said.


Levasseur was arrested on drug possession and trafficking charges. A passenger, Max Necochea, 22, of Mission Viejo, Calif., was arrested on drug and unlawful use of weapons charges, though Burek did not know what led to the weapons charge.

According to State's Attorney office, Levasseur, as of 10:40 a.m. ET on Thursday, was still in custody and had not posted bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled Monday at 1 p.m.

Mackovic said he was aware of the arrest and had spoken with Levasseur's parents. No decision has been made yet on his team status, the coach said in a statement.

"I am aware of the situation, and I have spoken with Justin's parents. University of Arizona athletics director Jim Livengood and I will speak with Justin, and his family, before any determination of his team status can be made.

"Also, in legal matters, the athletics department has a pres-cribed course of investigation and review committed to the student-athlete's welfare and rights."