It is almost exactly a two-hour drive northwest of Chattanooga to get to the campus of Vanderbilt University. The well-regarded school is where Tennessee native Joejuan Williams played his college football.
The cornerback was recently stopped for speeding on an interstate highway in Cumberland County by a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper. The 22-year-old was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of legend drugs without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding.
Williams was a second-round draft pick (the 45th pick overall) by the New England Patriots in last year’s NFL draft. According to news reports, he played nine games in his rookie season, mostly on special teams.
A star in high school ball played in his hometown of Nashville, he received offers to attend a number of football powerhouses, including Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Georgia and Penn State, but he eventually decided to stay at home and play at Vanderbilt. He starred there before declaring for the draft after his junior year.
Media reports have disclosed new details in the arrest, stating that the arresting officer found acetaminophen hydrocodone prescription pills (a pain medication), valacyclovir hydrocodone (used to treat infections caused by certain viruses) and “a large amount of marijuana” inside Williams’ SUV.
Of course, “a large amount” is relative. Because Williams was not charged with any type of drug distribution violations, it is assumed that “the large amount” was regardless considered to be for personal use.
Drug-related charges clearly put his career at risk, as these types of allegations do so often to people in less glamorous professions as well.
If your life has been upended by criminal charges, contact a Chattanooga attorney experienced in effective drug-crime defense.
