Originally published Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 12:00 AM

Seahawks | LB Leroy Hill arrested on drug charges

Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill, who will be a free agent next month, was arrested Saturday morning in the Atlanta area and charged with...

By Danny O'Neil

Seattle Times staff reporter

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Leroy Hill

Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill, who will be a free agent next month, was arrested Saturday morning in the Atlanta area and charged with a misdemeanor after police allegedly found marijuana in his car.

According to police, Hill was found in his car at about 4 a.m. after several citizens reported a car with a driver asleep at an intersection.

"One of the deputies found Mr. Leroy Hill passed out behind the wheel," said Sgt. Dwayne Taylor of the Douglas County Sheriffs. "He smelled marijuana coming from Mr. Hill's car."

Hill was the only one in the car, a 1975 Buick Electra. Taylor said Hill consented to a search of his vehicle, and the deputy found two bags containing marijuana in a bookbag on the passenger's side.

Hill was arrested and charged with misdemeanor possession because it was less than an ounce. Hill also received a traffic citation and an equipment violation for having a brake light out. He was released on $1,500 bond. No court date has been set.

The 26-year-old has played the past four seasons for the Seahawks after being drafted in the third round from Clemson in 2005. He became a starter eight games into his rookie season.

He will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of February unless the Seahawks reach an agreement with him before. President Tim Ruskell said earlier this month that retaining Hill was a priority for the Seahawks this offseason.

Hill could be subject to discipline from the NFL because of the arrest. The Patriots' Kevin Faulk was suspended one game and fined an additional game check last season after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor marijuana charge.

Danny O'Neil: 206-464-2364 or doneil@seattletimes.com

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