Bucs' Ahmad Black receives marijuana citation

TAMPA — Bucs safety Ahmad Black was cited by Tampa police last week for possession of a small amount of marijuana, according to a police report.

Black was charged with possession of cannabis, less than 20 grams, according to court records. The charge is a first-degree misdemeanor.

Black, 23, was not arrested but given a notice to appear for the alleged offense, which occurred Oct. 30. An arraignment is scheduled Dec. 3. Black could face penalties ranging from a fine to a suspension under the NFL's personal conduct policy.

The incident, according to the police report, occurred at 1:56 a.m. on Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa. An officer said he observed Black's 2010 Land Rover weaving and initiated a traffic stop. Police say Black said he had a mechanical issue. The officer wrote that he smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside.

Black, according to police, said he smoked marijuana earlier in the evening. Police said he also told them he had a small amount of marijuana in the car. Police searched the vehicle, in which Black had a female passenger, and found a small marijuana cigarette in the driver's door handle, according to officers.

The Bucs released a statement Tuesday: "We are aware of the situation, have been in communication with the league office, and are handling the matter internally."

Drafted in the fifth round in 2011 out of the University of Florida, Black has appeared in each of the eight games this season, making his second interception in Sunday's win against the Raiders.

MOVES: The Bucs promoted cornerback LeQuan Lewis to the 53-man roster from the practice squad and released cornerback Brandon McDonald, who played in eight games. Lewis appeared in one game for the Bucs and three with the Cowboys. Tight end LaMark Brown was signed to the practice squad.