Houston Astros outfielder Jordan Schafer was arrested early Tuesday morning on charges of marijuana possession. Schafer, who was picked up by police in Tampa, Florida, faces a felony count of possession of marijuana.
Schafer was arrested just after midnight this morning when a police officer witnessed him smoking marijuana while driving down the road. Schafer was pulled over and more marijuana was discovered in his black Land Rover. Five hours later, Schafer was released from jail on a $2000 bond.
The officers were said to have become suspicious when, after pulling up next to Schafer’s vehicle at a red light, they began smelling marijuana. When they looked up, the officers said they witnessed Schafer smoking a blunt.
After the police pulled him over, Schafer admitted that the marijuana was his and that he had more stashed in his car. All told, 25.9 grams of marijuana were found in Schafer’s vehicle along with three marijuana-filled peanut butter cups.
The Astros have not yet released a statement regarding Schafer’s arrest.
This marks the second time Schafer has run into trouble involving banned substances. Back in 2008, Schafer was suspended by MLB for 50 games when he tested positive for human growth hormone.
Houston acquired Schafer this July in the deal that sent Michael Bourn to the Atlanta Braves.
The 25-year-old was once considered the Braves center fielder of the future, entering the 2009 season ranked as the 42nd best prospect in the league by Baseball America.
But, Schafer hasn’t been able to put it together in the Majors, as he’s only managed a career line of .228/.311/.305. Over his 82 combined games with the Braves and Astros in 2011, Schafer hit at a clip of .242/.309/.315 with 15 extra base hits and 22 stolen bases.
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