Sources: Redskins player, city working on PSA after drug citation

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - You could soon see a Washington Redskins player on TV, but not for his accomplishments on the football field. The player cited for marijuana possession over the summer will soon hit the airwaves with his story.

Sources say as part of Bashaud Breeland's legal process after his brush with the law while in Richmond for training camp, the rookie cornerback is working on a PSA with the city.

The misdemeanor possession charge will likely have Breeland sending a powerful message to the community. Sources said since the August citation Breeland and his attorney have been working with the city to put together a PSA on drugs and what happened to him.

Breeland was cited on the VCU campus around 10:40 p.m. Monday, August 11. The next day the 'Skins broke camp.

The maximum penalty for a simple possession charge is 30 days in jail, but Virginia statutes give a judge discretion to put an offender on probation or allow him to do community service.

NBC12 legal analyst Steve Benjamin said the arrangement doesn't amount to special treatment. "I think it's just the opposite," he said. "There's no special treatment here. Instead the city is gaining immeasurably from the player's willingness to lend his name and his prestige to imparting a very important message."

Benjamin says Breeland didn't have to send that message. Like your average offender, the rookie could've simply done his community service hours and been done with the ordeal.

"Certainly, this individual could have handled the matter in the same way, knocked off his community service in a weekend," Benjamin said. "He's going above and beyond what a person would normally have to do."

Commonwealth's Attorney Mike Herring says more details will be provided in the coming days.

There has also been no comment from the mayor's office or from the Redskins management. Breeland has not missed any regular season games.

Right now, his case is expected back in court in June.