Nick Fairley has marijuana charges dropped on lack of evidence

MOBILE, Ala. - Nick Fairley traveled to Mobile, Alabama Tuesday and left with news he was hoping to hear.

The Lions defensive tackle will not face any further penalties for his April 3 arrest for marijuana possession. The case was dropped Tuesday.

Prosecutors said there was not enough evidence to prove a pair of partially smoked, hand-rolled marijuana cigarettes in Fairley's car were his. Municipal Judge Matt Green agreed.

Eric Taylor, who was a passenger in the car, said he would take responsibility for the drugs.

Fairley was arrested after being pulled over for reportedly speeding through a subdivision. He passed a drug test shortly thereafter and again went through thorough drug tests today. He passed those as well.

Shortly after Fairley's marijuana arrest, he was charged May 27 with driving under the influence of alcohol. He was cited going about 100 mph.

He pleaded guilty to DUI charges and reckless driving. Fairley was sentenced to a six-month suspended jail term, a year of probation, plus a $600 fine.

The NFL has not disciplined Fairley for his off-field actions, but the proceedings Tuesday will help his case. Now, he has only one legal blemish on his record as a professional.

“He’s in the (NFL first-time offender) program. He does community service up there,” defense attorney Sid Harrell told Mobile reporters.