Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams faced legal trouble over the weekend when he was arrested at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport for possession of marijuana. The incident occurred on Saturday morning around 10 a.m. in Terminal C, where Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents discovered what appeared to be a “black container containing a green leafy substance” in Williams’ suitcase. Upon inquiry, Williams acknowledged that the substance was marijuana and indicated that his manager had packed his belongings.
Williams was found to be in possession of less than two ounces of marijuana, leading to a misdemeanor charge. While the NBA has relaxed its policies regarding marijuana use, ceasing testing for the substance in 2023, it remains illegal for recreational use in Texas, and TSA is mandated to alert law enforcement upon the discovery of marijuana in airports.
Under Texas law, possessing less than two ounces can lead to a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and fines up to $2,000. In light of the incident, Williams expressed remorse to the media before Wednesday’s game against the Indiana Pacers, describing himself as a “distraction” and taking “full accountability” for the situation. He remarked, “Especially when you’re 0-2, it wasn’t an ideal time at all.”
Williams was reportedly en route to attend a friend’s funeral at the time of his arrest, which contributed to his absence from the Mavericks’ games on Sunday and Monday. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd confirmed that Williams would be active against Indiana, stating, “We would like him on the floor. Hopefully, we can get him on the floor tonight.”
The 25-year-old guard has had a challenging start this season with limited playing time. He spent much of the previous season on a two-way contract, where he averaged 8.3 points and 2.3 rebounds across 33 games. Williams signed a standard contract with the Mavericks in April, and with Kyrie Irving sidelined due to injury, his role on the team is expected to expand in the upcoming games.
The incident highlights the complications athletes can face when navigating differing state and federal laws regarding marijuana, despite the NBA’s updated stance on the substance.