Matt Elam, Baltimore Ravens safety, was arrested in Miami on multiple drug charges. According to the information on Sunday morning, Elam was pulled over by the Miami-Dade police for speeding and reckless driving.
Elam was booked around 3:45 AM by the Miami police. He is facing charges including the possession of marijuana, holding marijuana for selling or distribution, possession of a controlled substance (six oxycodone pills), and reckless driving. At the time of the arrest, Elam was said to be carrying more than 20 grams of marijuana. According to the official report, Elam is being held on a bond of $15,500.
Matt Elam carrying 126 grams of marijuana
Elam was reportedly carrying 126 grams of marijuana and 3 grams of oxycodone at the time of his arrest. The arrest came just two weeks before the start of the 2017 NFL Free Agency. This incident will definitely make it difficult for Matt Elam to find a new opportunity this season as the Ravens have opted not to pick up his contract.
According to the official report document, Miami police saw Elam speeding in his Range Rover. When they tried to pull him over, he continued to speed and was finally stopped after several blocks. In the back seat, two passengers were extinguishing marijuana cigarettes and the passenger who was seated in the front had a fully loaded semi-automatic pistol in his waistband.
This is not the first time that Elam has been arrested on drug-related charges. In 2015, Elam was reportedly banned for one game after he violated the substance abuse policy set by the League. At the time of the violation, Elam was on the injured reserve list. The violation was also self-reported.
Elam’s history with Baltimore Ravens
Matt Elam was a first-round pick in 2013 out of the University of Florida after the Baltimore Ravens won Super Bowl XLVII in 2012. Elam was expected to fill the vacant position after Ed Reed left the team. Even though the team management expected him to play like a “Raven,” he only played 41 games in the last four seasons.
Elam missed the 2015 season completely after tearing his bicep during training. He also had knee surgery and started the 2016 season on the injured list of reserves. Elam is reportedly the first Raven to be arrested since last March when linebacker Terrell Suggs who was charged with driving with a suspended license but was acquitted later. According to the details given in Matt Elam’s charging report document, a pre-file hearing is scheduled to be held on the 8th of March around 4:30 PM.