Kings big Zach Randolph had his felony marijuana-distribution charge reduced to a misdemeanor – ending the threat of an NBA ban, which would have been automatically triggered by a felony marijuana-distribution conviction.
Now, it seems Randolph will avoid NBA punishment entirely.
TMZ:we’ve learned Randolph struck a deal with prosecutors to plead no contest to misdemeanor resisting arrest ... and in exchange, the pot charge was tossed completely.
Randolph was sentenced to 150 hours of community service as part of a diversion program, which means if he completes the hours and keeps his nose clean for 12 months, the resisting arrest conviction will be wiped from his record.
One more thing ... Randolph was specifically told he may not associate himself with or be around drug dealers as part of the terms of the deal.
Pleading guilty or no contest to a marijuana charge would have progressed Randolph in the NBA’s marijuana program (first violation: warning, second violation: $25,000 fine, third violation: five-game suspension). But he pleaded no contest to only resisting arrest, which doesn’t typically come with additional NBA punishment.
Maybe Randolph can helpfully advise Sacramento’s younger players, after all.
