JOESAM2002

Roundup: Gardner Gets No Jail Time on Charges
Projected Second- or Third-Round Pick Drafted in Seventh Round

.c The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (May 7) -- New Orleans Saints draft pick Talman Gardner was sentenced to a year of probation and 250 hours of community service Wednesday after pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges of marijuana possession and having a concealed, loaded handgun.

The gun charge was originally a felony before being reduced to improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon.

Gardner, a seventh-round pick out of Florida State in last month's draft, was arrested along with former Seminole Malcolm Tatum in the early morning hours of April 7 while driving through a residential neighborhood.

Gardner consented to having his automobile searched. Investigators said they found a loaded pistol in the panel of the driver's side door, and marijuana in Gardner's pocket. He told police he was given the gun by his brother-in-law for protection.

One of the fastest players at Florida State, Gardner caught 89 passes for 1,589 yards and 19 touchdowns during his career.

Gardner was originally projected as second- or third-round pick in the draft before he was arrested.

Let's hope this was a one time thing.