A well-known guard for the Ole Miss basketball team is set to be in court today after being arrested earlier this month on drug charges. Dundrecous Nelson, who has averaged 11.6 points this season, and has led the team with 20 steals, was also dismissed from the team. Initially, the team said his status was "under review" but he was later dismissed.

The 5-foot-11 sophomore guard was arrested and charged earlier this month with possession of drug paraphernalia. After a victory against SMU, police claim they smelled marijuana coming from the man's home. They claim they found several marijuana cigarette stubs. According to a USA Today article, Nelson said under oath that he "willfully used paraphernalia to ingest or inhale a controlled substance."

That could lead to serious consequences. In terms of his basketball career, it already has. In addition to Nelson being let go from the team, a backup guard was also dismissed for allegedly smoking marijuana with Nelson. A representative of the team says Nelson was dismissed for violating team rules.

It's a loss that could hurt the team: Nelson is known as the lead scorer.

Nelson was arrested by the Oxford Police Department and was released on bond after being booked into the Lafayette County Detention Center earlier this month, according to USA Today.

Anyone facing such drug charges in Mississippi would greatly benefit from consulting an attorney who is experienced in representing people accused of drug crimes.

Source: USA Today, "Mississippi guard Dundrecous Nelson dismissed after arrest," Jan. 5, 2012

Category: drug crimes

Tags: drug crimes, marijuana