New York Jets running back Mike Goodson was arrested Friday morning on drug possession and weapon charges, according to the New Jersey state police.
Goodson was found with another man stopped in the center-left lane on Interstate 80 in Denville, N.J., just after 3 a.m. ET, police said. A tow truck driver found them and called 911 due to concerns about the physical condition of Goodson, who was in the passenger seat of a GMC Yukon SUV. He was transported to St. Clare's Hospital, then brought to police offices where he was deemed healthy enough to discharge.
Before heading to the hospital, Goodson was found carrying a small amount of marijuana, while there was additional marijuana and a loaded .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun in the car. The 25-year-old Goodson was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession of paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a loaded handgun and possession of hollow-point bullets.
Goodson was taken to the Morris County Correctional Facility but left after his $50,000 bail had been posted.
The driver of the vehicle, 31-year-old Garant Evans of New Jersey, had a prior felony conviction and remains at the correctional facility. He faces the same charges as Goodson, in addition to DWI, traffic summonses and possession of a weapon with a prior felony conviction. He is being held on $150,000 bail.
A Jets team spokesperson said: "We are aware of the report and are gathering information."
According to the NFL, if a player violates the league's guns and weapons policy, he could be subject to suspension. League spokesperson Greg Aiello told ESPN in an email that each team has an annual mandatory preseason meeting for players, coaches and staff that goes over the policy, and encourages NFL employees not to own a gun. It also reviews registration protocol for weapons.
The Jets signed Goodson this offseason to a three-year, $6.9 million deal. In 40 career games with Carolina and Oakland, Goodson has rushed for 722 yards and three touchdowns. He's projected to be part of the team's rotation at running back.
In April, the Jets cut defensive end Claude Davis and cornerback Cliff Harris after they were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana. Both players had signed reserve/future contracts with the team before being waived.