New York Jets tight end Kellen Winslow, who served a four-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs during the season, is now facing charges of possession of synthetic marijuana.
Winslow, 30, appeared Wednesday in an East Hanover, N.J., courtroom as part of the pre-trial process. He was found Nov. 19 in possession of the designer drug Fubinaca, according to the Morristown (N.J.) Daily Record. The alleged incident occurred two days after he played his first game following the suspension.
The criminal complaint wasn't signed until Dec. 30, the day after the Jets' season ended in Miami.
Winslow is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, a third-degree offense, the Daily Record reported. He could receive up to five years in prison if convicted.
"We are aware of situation," a Jets spokesman said. "This is a pending legal matter and we will have no further comment."
Winslow, who will be a free agent in March, made more news off the field than on it for the Jets. In October, he was slapped with a four-game ban for violating the league's policy on PEDs.
Upon returning to the team, Winslow offered a vague explanation, insisting he wasn't told what substance triggered the positive test. He said it may have been allergy medication, but he never specified what type of allergy.
Winslow, in his first season with the Jets, finished with 31 catches for 388 yards and two touchdowns. His role diminished after his suspension, prompting him to express public frustration. He's not expected back with the team.
In a career that's included stops at Cleveland, Tampa Bay and the Jets, Winslow has 469 catches and 25 TDs