Kellen Winslow Jr. charged with synthetic pot possession

Aug 1, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets tight end Kellen Winslow (81) during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. had a judicial processing hearing today for possession of synthetic pot after being officially charged on December 30th. The charges stem from a Novemeber 19th incident where police found Winslow with the drug outside a Target store, according to Peggy Wright of Daily Record. 

It’s yet another incident for Winslow, who missed four games this season while suspended for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy. Having signed just a one-year contract with the Jets prior to this season, it seems unlikely the team would bring Winslow back after this. The charges are a third-degree offense, punishable by five years in prison if convicted. Knowing Roger Goodell’s history with drug offenders, a suspension seems likely for Winslow.

The former sixth overall pick in 2004 and Mackey Award winner at the University of Miami, Winslow’s talent has always been clear, but several incidents and inconsistent play have plagued him throughout his career. Like all the other Jets pass catchers, Winslow was limited this season by the struggles of Geno Smith, as the Jets finished near the bottom in many offensive categories. In five games this season, Winslow finished with 31 catches for 338 yards and two touchdowns.