Jerome Simpson Gets 15 Days in Jail
Added on Apr 06, 2012 by Scott in
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When wide receiver Jerome Simpson is asked how he spent his offseason he’ll have a story to tell. The ex-Bengal was sentenced to 15 says in jail yesterday and three years probation as part of plea agreement stemming from an arrest last September involving the shipping of marijuana to his home in Kentucky. The sentence could’ve been as long as 60 days, but the judge showed leniency.
Simpson was contrite when taking the stand and promised to use himself as an example of what not to do in the future.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said. He also told the judge that he thinks that “because of this I am a better person.”
His record of volunteer work in the community was instrumental in avoiding serious jail time. Several character witnesses also provided positive testimony on his behalf, including Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis who penned a personal letter to the judge.
Simpson was indicted after a package containing 2½ pounds of marijuana was shipped to his house last fall. An additional pound was seized inside the domicile which resulted in a felony trafficking charge that was later reduced to a lesser felony. It was determined by the prosecution that Simpson was using illegal substances but not dealing.
The fifth-year receiver is currently a free agent in search of a new team. He garnered little to no interest when free agency began due to his legal troubles. He caught a career best 50 passes for 725 yards and four touchdowns in 2011 with rookie Andy Dalton throwing to him.
The wide receiver market has thinned considerably as most teams focus on the upcoming draft. Simpson has talent and speed but was largely invisible until last season. In the right situation he could blossom into a solid contributor if he can steer clear of the authorities. A return to Cincinnati remains a possibility as well considering their penchant for employing problem players like Pacman Jones and Cedric Benson.
Source: ESPN.com
