https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...na-charge.html

Charlotte Hornets forward Montrezl Harrell is facing a felony drug charge after authorities said they found vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana in his car during a traffic stop.

Harrell, 28, was pulled over in Richmond, Kentucky, by a state trooper on May 12 for driving his 2020 Honda Pilot too closely to the vehicle in front of it, the Charlotte Observer reported, citing court records.

The trooper reported that he 'observed the odor of marijuana.' Harrell 'admitted to being in possession of marijuana and produced a small amount from his sweatpants,' the trooper continued.

That admission led to a search of the car, which resulted in the discovery of 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms) of marijuana in vacuum-sealed bags inside a backpack in the backseat.

Harrell has been charged with trafficking less than 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) of marijuana. If convicted on that count, he could face up to five years in prison. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 13 in Madison County District Court.

The charges were revealed Monday because he was supposed to be arraigned on a traffic citation related to his May 12 arrest, but that arraignment has been extended to July 13, when he'll have his preliminary hearing on drug charges.

The former University of Louisville star has played seven seasons in the NBA, including three seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, for whom he won the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award in 2020, and two with the Houston Rockets.

He joined the Hornets in February but is due to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Harrell has earned more than $34 million in NBA salary.