UT RB charged with drug possession, suspended

[GreenBat]

UT RB Hardeman charged with drug possession, suspended

03:44 AM CST on Tuesday, December 21, 2004

By CHIP BROWN / The Dallas Morning News

AUSTIN – Texas backup running back Erik Hardeman has been suspended indefinitely from the team after being charged with possession of a controlled substance – a second-degree felony – and a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana.

According to an arrest affidavit filed by the Austin Police Department, Hardeman was arrested and charged after the vehicle he was riding in was pulled over by undercover officers for failing to signal a turn in North Austin just after midnight last Tuesday.

According to the affidavit, Hardeman was one of three people in the car and was found to be in possession of 20 grams of cocaine and less than 2 ounces of marijuana. Hardeman, who was not driving the vehicle, was also found to be carrying $3,774 in cash, according to the affidavit.

If convicted, Hardeman could face up to 20 years in prison and or a $10,000 fine on the felony charge. He faces up to 180 days in jail and up to a $2,000 fine on the misdemeanor charge.

Hardeman posted $15,500 bail for the two charges and was released about 7:30 a.m. last Tuesday, according to officials at the Travis County Jail. Hardeman couldn’t be reached for comment and, according to court records, didn’t have an attorney as of Monday.

Hardeman, a redshirt freshman who was highly touted out of Pflugerville High School, wasn’t cleared academically to play this season and has yet to see action for Texas. Hardeman practiced with the team this season but was allowed to stop practicing with the team six weeks ago to focus on his academics.

Texas coach Mack Brown learned of Hardeman’s arrest Sunday and said Hardeman would be suspended indefinitely, “pending the outcome of the legal process.”

Hardeman appeared to be a strong contender along with Selvin Young and Ramonce Taylor to replace senior running back Cedric Benson next season. But now his status on the team is in jeopardy.

E-mail chipbrown@dallasnews.com

[untbowler]

see my post below and you'll see one of Mack's recruits is also in trouble with Rape/Sexual Assualt of a Child, came from Dallas Morning News, curious to see how Mack spins both of these arrests.

[emmitt01]

Hardeman posted $15,500 bail for the two charges and was released about 7:30 a.m. last Tuesday, according to officials at the Travis County Jail

That's quite a chunk of change for an 18 or 19 year old kid, or his family, to be able to put up for bail. I know it's usually only 1/10 but that's still hefty. <_<

And $3,700 cash on him? I know I used to get some hefty financial aid disbursement checks but does the boy not believe in banks...or is he "doing work" that is tax free, what with 20 grams of coke on him?

[Rudy]

I read the title of the thread and thought this post was from any of the past several years.

[UNTLifer]

Two requirements to be a RB at UT, the love of dreadlocks and drugs.

[UNTFan23]

I should feel shocked ... but strangely ... I don't.