Grizzlies' Miles charged with pot possession

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Memphis Grizzlies forward Darius Miles, who was suspended last season for violating the NBA's anti-drug program, was free on bond after being charged with possession of marijuana on Thursday.

The 27-year-old Miles was alone in his car in suburban Fairview Heights, Illinois late Wednesday when an officer pulled him over for allegedly failing to use a turn signal, police Sgt. Steve Evans said. During a search of the car, Evans said police found a small amount of marijuana in a plastic bag in the passenger compartment.

Miles was ticketed for driving with a suspended license and charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession because the amount of the drug was less than 2.5 grams, which would have been a felony. He was later freed on $100 bond.

A message was left on Thursday by The Associated Press with a woman who answered a Belleville phone listed under Miles' name. It was not immediately clear if Miles had an attorney.

Miles was playing for the Boston Celtics when he was suspended without pay for 10 games last season for violating terms of the league's anti-drug program at the end of the 2007-08 season.

Miles had microfracture surgery on his right knee in November 2006 and an independent doctor determined last season that the injury was career-ending. The Portland Trail Blazers, his third NBA team, waived him.

After a pair of 10-game contracts, Memphis signed Miles on Jan. 30 for the remainder of the season. He went on to play in 34 games with the Grizzlies, averaging 3.5 points. His contract expires at the end of June, at which time he'll become a free agent.

During his six-year NBA career, Miles has averaged 10 points and five rebounds.

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