National Football League

Report: Rep responds to Maroney's arrest

Published Jan. 18, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

A rep for Denver Bronco Laurence Maroney described Tuesday the running back's arrest on suspicion of drugs and weapons violations as "unlawful" -- but the player himself refused to blame police.

The player's representative confirmed the Monday night arrest, but denied claims he had been charged with drug and weapons offenses, FOX 2 reported.

Maroney and five others were stopped by police after officers observed what they believed to be people in a vehicle smoking marijuana, according to the report.

Five of the occupants were arrested and three guns were found in the vehicle, it is alleged. Maroney reportedly had a valid "Conceal and Carry" permit, but police booked him for carrying the weapon while under the influence of drugs, according to TMZ.

Maroney's representative refuted any suggestion of charges.

"Mr. Maroney was unlawfully arrested for possession of weapons. He holds a permit to carry a concealed weapon and he had his permit on his person when he was arrested," the rep said.

"He was not arrested for any drugs nor was he involved in a high speed chase. He was released without being charged with any offense and we do not anticipate he will be charged with any criminal offense."

Maroney admitted, however, that he had put himself in a bad position and could see why police arrested him.

"The police have a difficult job to do and I understand the procedures," he told FOX 2.

Maroney's arrest is one of a number of weapon-related incidents involving professional football players, and he said they carried them for protection.

"I think it is just the simple fact that as an NFL player, a person has celebrity status and is always in the limelight," he said.

"They feel like they have to be protected because we feel like we are the targets of most people because they know who we are and they know we have money, and they see us in nice cars and things like that."

Maroney was traded this past season by the Patriots, who drafted him 21st overall in 2006. Maroney starred at Normandy High School in St. Louis before going on to the University of Minnesota.

His best season was with the undefeated 2008 Patriots, when he rushed for 835 yards and six touchdowns. He only played in three games with Denver this season, rushing for 74 yards on 36 carries.