Packers linebacker enters not guilty plea in marijuana case

Bruce Vielmetti
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Packers Za'Darius Smith was recorded by multiple body cams when the vehicle drove was stopped by Racine County Sheriffs September 29.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Za'Darius Smith has hired a lawyer and entered not guilty pleas over citations for speeding and marijuana possession in Racine County.

As first reported in the Journal Sentinel, Smith was stopped on I-94 on Sept. 29 while driving from Chicago to Green Bay with rookie teammates Rashan Gary and Kingsley Keke.

Smith, 27, was cited for going 20-24 mph over the 60 mph limit, and for possession of three marijuana blunts and a THC vaping cartridge found inside a duffel bag in the rear of Smith's 2019 GMC Yukon.

Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith (55) celebrates a 27-16 victory against the Denver Broncos Sunday, September 22, 2019, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

Neither Gary nor Keke were cited. All three men went on their way after Smith was given the tickets.

Smith could have paid fines totaling about $540 or appeared in court Monday. But according to court records, he hired a lawyer, Brian Maloney, of the Green Bay law firm Hanaway Ross, who entered not guilty pleas on Smith's behalf on Monday

Maloney was not immediately available to speak about the matter Wednesday morning.

Smith's initial appearance for both citations has been rescheduled to Dec. 12.

RELATED:Packers pass rusher Za'Darius Smith ticketed for marijuana in car

Contact Bruce Vielmetti at (414) 224-2187 or bvielmetti@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ProofHearsay.