Steelers WR arraigned on drug charge

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers receiver and Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes was arraigned Wednesday on a misdemeanor marijuana charge stemming from a traffic stop.

Holmes’ attorney, Robert DelGreco Jr., appeared at the brief hearing where charges were formally presented.

Holmes did not appear, nor was he required to.

DelGreco said he planned to challenge the constitutionality of the stop, but did not elaborate.

“I will be filing a suppression motion. That will be a public record and we’ll go from there,” he said.

Pittsburgh police said they found three marijuana-filled cigars in Holmes’ car when he was pulled over Oct. 23. Holmes was stopped because his car was similar to one they were looking for in a drug sting.

Holmes was cooperative and alerted officers to the drugs, police said.

DelGreco has characterized the charge “as low as a grade a misdemeanor you can get.” The penalty is up to 30 days probation and a $500 fine, he said.

Coach Mike Tomlin deactivated Holmes for a game following the traffic stop. He was not arrested and received a court summons, which is common with misdemeanor charges in Pennsylvania.