National Football League
Cop testifies in Chris Simms marijuana case
National Football League

Cop testifies in Chris Simms marijuana case

Published Oct. 8, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

Unemployed quarterback Chris Simms was so high on marijuana when he was busted in New York City this summer, a police officer said his tongue went numb off the weed’s aroma, according to testimony Thursday.

In a Manhattan court Thursday, NFL free agent Simms pleaded not guilty to charges he drove his car while high on marijuana.

Simms, the son of former New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms, was stopped at a Manhattan DWI checkpoint in July. Police say the quarterback slurred his speech and told them he had been smoking marijuana.

Arresting officer, Francisco Acosta, said he smelled an extremely strong marijuana odor coming from Simms' 2009 Mercedes.

ADVERTISEMENT

‘‘My tongue got numb," Acosta testified in regard to the powerful nature of the smell.

The Manhattan DA says it has evidence that includes arresting officers' claims that Simms refused to take breath, blood and coordination tests and made self-incriminating statements.

"I was smoking marijuana in the car earlier. I took four puffs," Simms told cops when he was pulled over, according to court papers made public in August by the DA's office.

Simms' driver's license has already been automatically revoked, pending the outcome of the case, because of his refusal to submit to a urine test.

The 29-year-old has struggled to find a roster spot after being let go by the Tennessee Titans prior to the start of the 2010 season.

Simms, a 2003 third-round pick out of Texas, has played in just 23 games in five NFL seasons compiling a meager 69.1 passer rating.

share


Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more