PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes released a statement Monday regarding marijuana charges against him.

On Thursday, Pittsburgh police charged the wide receiver with possession of marijuana during a traffic stop close to Mellon Arena.

In his statement, Holmes apologized to the team, his family and fans.
Click Here to Read the Entire Statement

According to police, Holmes was driving a sport utility vehicle with out-of-state license plates, which matched the description of one linked to a crime, so officers made an investigatory stop.

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“When they pulled him over, they found there was a smell of burnt marijuana in the vehicle," said Sgt. James Vogel of the Pittsburgh Police Department. “Mr. Holmes was very cooperative with officers and turned over some items to us and was subsequently summoned for those items. A couple of marijuana blunts.”

Police said Holmes turned over three marijuana cigars. Officers charged Holmes with one misdemeanor count of possession of a small amount of marijuana. He was given a summons to court and released.

Vogel said Holmes was very cooperative, respectful and wasn’t impaired. He thinks that should be taken into account when it comes to any potential action taken against him by the Steelers and the NFL.

“We wouldn't expect a steelworker to be laid off or suspended without pay,” said Vogel. “I wouldn't expect a police officer, firefighter or a member of the Steelers.”

On Friday, head coach Mike Tomlin said Holmes would be inactive for Sunday's game against the New York Giants. The team lost 21-14.

The NFL policy for substance abuse said for a first violation, the NFL could fine and suspend a player without pay for up to four regular games or six games for a second violation.