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Jonathan Newsome Reportedly Arrested on Marijuana Charge

By Luke Schultheis

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jonathan Newsome (91) against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jonathan Newsome (91) against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to Indianapolis Fox 59, Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jonathan Newsome was arrested early Wednesday morning on possession of marijuana charges:

"“According to Zionsville police, Jonathan Newsome was arrested early Wednesday morning. Police arrived around 2 a.m. after someone complained about loud music coming from his apartment. During the investigation, officers found marijuana on the premises.Police said Newsome cooperated with authorities as he was taken into custody on two counts of possession of marijuana and transported to the Boone County Jail.”"

The 2nd year outside linebacker was drafted by the Colts in the 5th round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Ball State. Newsome appeared in 14 games (2 starts) for the Colts this past season, recording 19 total tackles and 1 sack.

Dec 6, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers kick returner Jacoby Jones (13) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jonathan Newsome (91) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers kick returner Jacoby Jones (13) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jonathan Newsome (91) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

While he had his 2nd-year struggles, he’s just one season removed from his rookie season in which he led the team in sacks with 6.5 sacks.

The 6’3″, 247 pound outside linebacker figures to have a key role next season with the team as a rotational pass rusher.

It’s not the first time that Newsome has been arrested for marijuana possession, as he was suspended 2 games at Ball State during the 2012 season for an incident in which a bag containing the drug was found in his wallet.

Still only age 25, here’s hoping that Newsome will continue to mature and realize that drugs and professional football don’t mix.

It’s never been a matter of physical ability and talent for the young pass rusher, it’s whether he’s mature enough to put the off-the-field distractions aside–even dating back to his first two seasons at Ohio State where he was forced to transfer.

Nevertheless, the Colts have to be concerned about some of Newsome’s re-occurring “warts” as general manager Ryan Grigson put it regarding his evaluation of pass rushers at last year’s NFL Combine:

"“I was always brought up if you have 12 pass rushers, give me 13, said Grigson. “You know, you can never have enough pass rushers and that’s ‘Scouting 101’. The hard part is actually finding them, and then findings ones that you know, the handful of them that are clean and really good.”“Clean in, I mean they don’t have any off-the-field, any warts, they’re hard to come by,” added Grigson. “You sometimes have to gamble later or maybe take a junior that has limited production and that’s where true scouting comes into play.”"

That being said, Newsome is still a young player, and while he’s made similar mistakes in the past, this shouldn’t be a Colts career-ending offense–not yet anyways.

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