At least if the police report is accurate.
Pittsburgh police arrested Fleming, 21, of Reisterstown, Md., about 10 p.m. Friday outside One Stop Mini Mart on the Boulevard of the Allies in Oakland.
As Fleming exited the store and got into his Ford Taurus, police approached and attempted to stop him for a traffic violation. Fleming pulled away and attempted to hit the marked police car before crashing into a guard rail, according to a criminal complaint.
Fleming then shoved a plastic bag containing marijuana in his mouth and started to swallow, authorities said. Officers pulled Fleming from the car and, after failing to remove the bag, punched him, successfully dislodging the drugs from his mouth, the criminal complaint states.
Despite commands to remain on the ground, Fleming struggled with officers before being handcuffed, authorities said.
He was evaluated at UPMC Mercy, Uptown, and taken to the Allegheny County Jail, where he was being held in lieu of $10,000 bond. Police charged Fleming with two counts of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, fleeing or eluding police, drug possession, tampering with evidence and vehicular offenses.
What ever your feelings on drug laws, if Carl Fleming thought he could swallow the baggie of dope, he probably did not have a quantity sufficient to take this beyond a misdemeanor — and likely a summary offense at that. Not good, but hardly career ending for a 1-A scholarship football player.
That apparently wasn’t good enough for Fleming, though. If he was going to get busted. It would be in a full-blown panic of one stupid decision after another in a very brief span. Fleeing cops. Possibly trying to hit the squad car — and failing. Trying to swallow the evidence. Resisting arrest.
Fleming took a relatively minor, single point in the Fulmer Cup event. And upped the ante. For the panic under pressure and sheer stupidity, I imagine Fleming’s immediate suspension will eventually be a more permanent removal from the team.
Ernie Borghetti and Chris Lasala can handle this w/o Bobby D. They are regrettably experienced in minimizing Fulmer Cup pts. Austin Ransom got ARD (1st time offender program) for Agg Assault a few yrs back (no drugs involved; just minor scuffle w/police).
Fleming may be gone, though, as Chryst will want to send a strong message to team.
YOU WILL BE FORGIVEN FOR BEING DRUNK BUT NOT FOR POT.
WHAT A PUTZ
And, once he pays for his crime, he comes back in a consultative role first to speak to the young players on the team about making bad decisions and how they can affect your life. Fleming had no idea when the night started that his entire life was about to change because of a series of unfortunate decisions.He can help young players if he is first able to earn the opportunity.
This is not about the two deep. LB’s, depending on some health issues, may be a weakness for the program this year. This is about life lessons for young men. Now do the right thing Mr. Fleming. The story can end up being a positive.There are many of us that worked out of similar circumstances. It’s your turn, now step up.
Hopefully for his sake (not necessarily because he deserves it), things don’t go that route and he doesn’t get much more than a slap on the wrist and more importantly has some sort of family support system to get him pointed in the right direction so he can do the things you mentioned.
Doesn’t look good, sadly.
Pitt needs to raise their entrance standings for its in-coming athletes.
The older you get the more thanks you say to the guy above for sparing you from the bonehead mistakes that you made at a young invincible age.
HTP
