Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams was arrested on a charge of possession of marijuana Saturday morning at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
According to an incident report obtained by The Athletic, Williams was traveling through Terminal C shortly after 10 a.m. when a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent noticed a “black container containing a green leafy substance” inside his suitcase. Williams admitted it was marijuana, and he told an officer that his manager had packed his bag for him, per the incident report.
Williams allegedly had less than two ounces of marijuana, and thus was charged with a misdemeanor. The NBA doesn’t prohibit players from using marijuana, and the league stopped testing for the substance in 2023. However, recreational marijuana use remains illegal in Texas, and federal law requires TSA to notify law enforcement if marijuana is discovered at an airport.
Under Texas law, carrying less than two ounces of marijuana can result in a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
Before Wednesday’s game between the Mavericks and Indiana Pacers, Williams made a statement to local media. He apologized for being a “distraction” and said he took “full accountability” for what happened.
“Especially when you’re 0-2, it wasn’t an ideal time at all,” Williams said. “I want to take full accountability.”
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd revealed Wednesday that Williams was traveling to attend a friend’s funeral. Williams didn’t play in Dallas’ games on Sunday or Monday due to personal reasons. Kidd said he would be active against Indiana.
“We would like him on the floor,” Kidd said. “Hopefully, we can get him on the floor tonight.”
The 25-year-old Williams spent most of last season on a two-way deal in Dallas. He averaged 8.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in 33 games. In April, he signed a standard contract with the Mavericks.
Williams has only played 19 minutes so far this season, but his workload is likely to increase soon. The Mavericks, who are playing without the injured Kyrie Irving, badly need more ballhandling on the floor.
DLLS Sports was first to report the news of Williams’ arrest.