Matt Elam, a former University of Florida All-America football player and Baltimore Ravens player, was arrested in Miami on February 25 after he was allegedly found with 126 grams of marijuana and 3.1 grams of oxycodone pills. He faces charges for possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute/sell/manufacture, and reckless driving.
Elam, 25, is being held at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He was arrested with Calvin Stewart, 28; Fritz Narcisse, 22; and Abdud Narcisse, 23. Stewart faces charges for resisting an officer without violence and possession of a concealed weapon, and the Narcisse brothers are each facing misdemeanor marijuana possession charges. The press did not name attorneys for any of them.
According to the arrest affidavit, an unmarked Miami Beach police car reportedly saw a blue 2014 Range Rover speeding north on Pine Tree Drive a little after 7 p.m on Saturday. The police car purportedly followed the Range Rover and watched as its driver cut in and out of traffic at high speeds and changed lanes without using turn signals. The Range Rover allegedly continued cutting in and out of traffic even after the police car turned on its lights and siren.
When the Range Rover stopped, the approaching police officers claim to have seen a “big cloud of smoke” coming from inside the vehicle that smelled like burning marijuana. When two deputies opened the rear passenger window, they reportedly saw the Narcisses putting out a marijuana roach and Fritz Narcisse brushing marijuana buds off his clothing.
Stewart, who was in the passenger seat, allegedly refused to get out of the vehicle and appeared to be fiddling with his waistband. When he was escorted out of the vehicle by an officer, a 9mm pistol reportedly fell from his trousers. He does not have a gun permit, sources indicate.
Elam, who was driving the vehicle, was placed under arrest for reckless driving. His other charges were added after police purportedly found a bag on the floor next to the driver’s seat that contained marijuana, oxycodone pills, and $947 cash inside a small pouch.
Possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana is a third-degree felony that carries a penalty of up to five years in Florida State Prison and a fine of up $5,000. Possession of a controlled substance like oxycodone is also a third degree felony that carries similar penalties. A misdemeanor drug possession conviction can result in up to one year in jail and/or probation, a fine of up to $1,000, and a two-year driver’s license suspension.
Elam played linebacker, wide receiver, running back, and defensive back in high school. He was a first round pick for the Baltimore Ravens in 2013 and he played 15 games as a rookie for the defending Super Bowl champions during his first season. He missed an entire season in 2015 because of an injury and only played nine games in 2016. The Baltimore Ravens has not picked up his contract for a fifth year. It is unclear whether his arrest will affect his career.