Addiction World

What many people don’t realize that abusing cocaine with alcohol produces other chemicals in the body that can be deadly.Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug.“Cocaine use by itself has been linked to an increase in the chances of heart attacks or strokes,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director for Narconon Drug Rehab GA. “This is deadly enough, but few people realize that mixing this with alcohol produces a chemical called cocaethylene. Cocaethylene is associated with a greater risk of sudden death than cocaine alone.

Instead of blaming others for his addiction and imprisonment, he hoisted the responsibility on himself and took on his demons. In prison, Grijalva began to read the Bible and embraced spirituality. He taught inmates to read and write. And, using himself as an example, Grijalva counseled fellow prisoners on how to recover from drug addiction. "My time in prison was well spent," said Grijalva, who spent more than two years in prison. That was 12 years ago, and for the past nine years, Grijalva has been working as a drug and alcohol recovery specialist. He is free of his addiction, reunited with his wife and children, and firm in his faith that people can recover. "It really is about talking to people, respecting people," said Grijalva, a recovery specialist for Compass Behavioral Health Care.
Saturday, two days before he turns 60, Grijalva and his wife will be in New York City, joining people like him and his family. He will be Arizona's "recovery delegate" at a Recovery Rally to bring awareness to treatment and recovery programs.
The 51 delegates will be joined by family members and people involved in drug- and alcohol-treatment programs. They will form a human chain across Brooklyn Bridge and march to New York City Hall to make the very human point that addiction is a disease and is treatable, and recovery is real.
"The honor of one is the honor of all," Grijalva wrote in his nomination essay.
Grijalva has a gentle voice. He exudes patience. His black hair is peppered with white and is neatly twisted into a long, single braid. It's his mark of his Tohono O'odham and Mayan indigenous roots. He began abusing drugs as a high-school dropout and took up heroin while fighting in the Vietnam War. Ten years of continued heroin use, arrests, jail time and divorce from his first wife followed.
While incarcerated he took up an offer of residential treatment. He was put on probation and started a drug-free life with a new wife and two children.
His past seemed to be fading when Grijalva relapsed. He started using again and attempted suicide several times. A drug conviction sent him to prison, where he had his reawakening. Grijalva's vivid story goes a long way to help others recover. His cultural understanding and bilingual skills also serve as powerful tools in his work. He directs cultural services for Compass, creating diverse recovery programs. And he works closely with the Tohono O'odham Nation to provide culturally sensitive recovery services. He incorporates sweat lodges, talking and drum circles into contemporary 12-step programs. "When you incorporate cultural perspectives and approaches, the successful outcomes increase," Grijalva said.
Grijalva's work has become a model among other American Indian tribes across the country. "What he has done in our community is incredible," said Neal J. Cash, president and chief executive officer of the Community Partnership of Southern Arizona, which coordinates mental health and recovery services in Pima County and Southeast Arizona. Grijalva said it's not just his successful story that proves the need for more recovery facilities and resources. He said the hundreds of individuals who have been treated for drug and alcohol abuse are proof that people can be cured of their disease. But successful recovery starts with giving people a second chance, withholding judgment and offering compassion. "It's about honoring people," he said.

Woman arrested in Young yesterday was illegally pedalling thousands of powerful pain relieving drugs for up to $50 a hit.
The prescription-only drug, Oxycodone, is known on the street as hillbilly heroin because it has a similar effect to morphine and is highly addictive.It is alleged the 47-year-old woman had legitimate access to more than 10,400 tablets including 2500 Oxycodone pills which she bought for $1.50 each and then sold on the black market for as much as $50 each.Potentially, the sale of 2500 pills at $50 per pill would have netted the accused $125,000.“It is believed to be the first time a person in NSW will be charged with the significant supply of a prescription medication for financial reward,” Cootamundra Superintendent Shane White said.“Police will allege the accused person has been at the highest level of the supply chain within the Young area for quite some time.”The woman is not employed in the health sector and is known to have a medical condition which has not been disclosed.Police assembled Strike Force Craigland last year to investigate an increase in the illegal sale of prescription medicines in the Riverina.Yesterday’s arrest was the third under Craigland with two women already charged and convicted by the courts for stolen and forged scripts.Last night police said they expected to charge the woman with four counts of supply prescription drugs and the ongoing supply for a prohibited drug.

Ten years ago, he was caught by Los Angeles police in a compromising position with another man inside a public toilet and then, only days ago, the pop star was arrested in a suburban London restroom for possession of crack cocaine and marijuana.
"I want to apologize to my fans for screwing up again, and to promise them I'll sort myself out," said the singer, who had recently completed a sold-out U.S. tour, in a statement released on Sunday. "And to say sorry to everybody else, just for boring them."This latest arrest for George comes two years after he was found unconscious and under the influence of drugs behind the wheel of his car in London. As part of his punishment for the infraction, he was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and banned from driving for two years.Controversial pop star George Michael has promised to “sort himself out” after being found in a public toilet in possession of crack cocaine and cannabis.The singer, who has been involved in similar incidents in the past, made a light hearted quip referring to the repetitive nature of his embarrassing debacles."I want to apologize to my fans for screwing up again, and to promise them I'll sort myself out," Michael said in a statement. "And to say sorry to everybody else, just for boring them."In 2006, Michael was found asleep at the wheel of his car in London under the influence of drugs – he was banned from driving for two years and was made to perform 100 hours of community service.Michael, 45, has mentioned to BBC radio that he was aware of his problems with drugs and was trying to reduce his intake."In a strange way I've spent the last 15 to 20 years trying to derail my own career, but it never seems to suffer," he said."I suffer like crazy. I've suffered bereavements and public humiliations, but my career always seems to right itself like a plastic duck in the bath."The singer recently performed his last ever shows to large crowds in the UK, Europe and the US, but has not written off his music career entirely – still continuing to record.
Michael began his performing career in 1981 with pop group Wham! which shot the singer to international fame. He branched out into performing solo in 1987 - with his album Faith becoming one of the biggest selling albums of all time.

Ryan O’Neal, 67, and son Redmond, 24, were arrested and booked this morning on suspicion of narcotics possession after a probationary police search of their home turned up methamphetamine.Redmond, son of Farrah Fawcett, was in possession of the drug and a vial was also found in Ryan’s bedroom.They are being held on $10,000 bail.
The O’Neal family have had numerous drug problems in recent years. Ryan’s daughter, Tatum O’Neal was arrested in NY last June after attempting to buy crack cocaine. In early 2007 Ryan and son Griffin were involved in a physical fight with a fireplace poker being used as a weapon. Griffin reportedly chained up his brother, Redmond, so he would not buy drugs.
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Ryan O'Neal and his son were arrested Wednesday morning after authorities said they found drugs at the actor's Malibu home during a routine probation

check.Investigators suspect both men had methamphetamine, but the substances still need to be tested, Los Angeles County Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said.Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies and probation officers went to O'Neal's home for a routine check of his son Redmond, who is serving three years of probation after pleading guilty in June to drug possession charges.Whitmore said in addition to drugs that deputies suspect belong to Redmond O'Neal, deputies also found narcotics in Ryan O'Neal's living area. Both men remain in custody on $10,000 bail and could be charged with felony possession of narcotics.Ryan O'Neal, 67, was nominated for a best actor Oscar for "Love Story." Redmond, 23, is his son from a relationship with actress Farrah Fawcett.O'Neal had two children with his first wife, Joanna Moore: actor Griffin O'Neal and actress Tatum O'Neal, his co-star in the 1973 movie "Paper Moon," for which she won an Oscar for best supporting actress.Tatum O'Neal, the youngest actress to win an Oscar and who now has a recurring role on FX's series "Rescue Me," pleaded guilty in July to disorderly conduct in connection with an arrest on suspicion of cocaine possession in New York.Ryan O'Neal was arrested last February on suspicion of assaulting his son, Griffin, but charges were never filed.A call to Ryan O'Neal's agent, David Shapira, was not immediately returned Wednesday morning.

National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) has reported an increase in the number of enquiries relating to cocaine abuse among young people.These enquiries have come from health care professionals involved in dealing with the clinical management of young drug users. The latest annual report from the NPIS, which is commissioned by the Health Protection Agency, also reveals increases in the number of enquiries related to ketamine, methamphetamine and benzylpiperazine, although these drugs are much less commonly used.In 2007/08, NPIS received more than 525,000 poisons-related enquiries from health care professionals in the UK. There was increased use of the NPIS online poisons information database, TOXBASE, which received 470,000 enquiries. NPIS has encouraged the use of TOXBASE as a first point of call for information, with its telephone enquiry service being devoted to the more complex cases. Around 67 per cent of TOXBASE enquiries were from hospitals.More than 52,000 telephone enquiries were answered in 2007/08. About a third (17,000) of these involved children under 10 years, illustrating the continuing frequency of accidental poisoning in this age group. A further 12 per cent (around 6,000) of enquiries involved the 10-19 age group. Overall, 37% of the telephone enquiries were from hospitals.Dr Roger Cox, Director of the Agency’s Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and the Environment said: “With poisoning accounting for over 100,000 NHS hospital admissions each year, the work of NPIS is vital in supporting the health care for this large patient group. It encourages optimal care for those with serious poisoning who need hospitalisation whilst at the same time it plays a crucial role in preventing unnecessary hospital admissions.Professor Simon Thomas, Director of NPIS (Newcastle) said: “Exposure to potentially poisonous substances continues to be a very important public health issue in the UK, as evidenced by the large numbers of enquiries made to the National Poisons Information Service. Children are involved in a large proportion of these enquiries and it is important that those caring for children should take the necessary steps to minimise the risk of exposure to potentially harmful substances. The increases in the proportion of our workload relating to some drugs of misuse, especially cocaine, are of concern and needs addressing by the wider health community”.

Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian told Ryan Seacrest on his radio show that her 173 minutes in jail for violating probation on a DUI charge were “terrifying.” Kardashian reportedly told Seacrest that she was forced to watch a videotape about “How to be a Good Inmate” (horrors!) and was put into solitary confinement because her presence was upsetting the other inmates. Kardashian was sentenced to 30 days in jail but spent less than three hours because of overcrowding conditions. “I’m very happy to have all this behind me,” she reportedly said.

"The Office" star Craig Robinson has been sentenced to a drug counseling program after his recent drug arrest in Culver City, California. Robinson was already on probation for a 2006 DUI and could have faced jail time. In exchange for pleading guilty to felony possession of ecstasy, two other drug charges against him were dropped. If Robinson can complete a drug counseling program within three years and stays clean, the guilty plea will also be removed from his record. Robinson is due in court on September 25 for a status hearing.

The actor DANIEL DAE KIM, who plays Jin-Soo Kwon in the hit series - was detained in Honolulu, Hawaii in October (07) after police spotted him driving erratically. LOST star DANIEL DAE KIM has escaped jail after a judge sentenced him to community service following his drink-driving arrest last year (07).Kim pleaded no contest to driving under the influence (DUI) charges at a Hawaii court on Friday (12Sep08). He has been ordered to serve 72 hours of community service and pay a Â£270 fine as well as Â£115 in court costs. Kim's driver's license has also been suspended for six months. After the hearing Kim, 40, insisted he had learnt his lesson, telling reporters, "I'm just grateful and relieved that this matter has been resolved. It's been a pretty difficult time for my family and me. But I'm glad I had a chance to take responsibility for my mistake." DUI incidents have plagued the Lost cast in Hawaii - castmates Cynthia Watros and Michelle Rodriguez both pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in January 2006 and April 2007 respectively.

Long-term treatment with antipsychotic medications alters the regional density of several of the neurotransmitter receptors that mediate cocaine toxicity. However, the effect of either up- or down-regulation of the neurotransmitter receptors on cocaine toxicity is unknown. In this study, we determined if subacute administration of the atypical antipsychotic ziprasidone altered the toxic effects of cocaine in mice. Ziprasidone (4 mg/kg) or placebo was administered to the first two groups of CF-1 mice for 10 days and, then on day 10, an estimated LD50 dose of cocaine (102 mg/kg) was given to these mice. In a third group, in order to produce a ziprasidone withdrawal state, we administered ziprasidone for 10 days, followed by no treatment for 2 days before cocaine administration. There was no significant difference among the three groups in overall survival: 63% in the treatment group, 60% in the withdrawal group, and 80% in the placebo group. Survival time was significantly shorter for the withdrawal group than for the control group. Our study may have been limited by lower than expected serum ziprasidone concentrations and lower than expected lethality from cocaine. However, our findings suggest that administration of an atypical antipsychotic for 10 days may increase the toxic effects of cocaine.

Cocaine and methamphetamine use among young adults in the United States fell significantly in 2007, while abuse of prescription drugs increased fairly dramatically, according to a new U.S. survey.From 2006 to 2007, cocaine use among adults ages 18-25 decreased 23 percent to 1.7 percent, the annual report found, and methamphetamine use fell by a third to 0.4 percent.However, the abuse of prescription pain relievers by young adults rose 12 percent to 4.6 percent, according to the survey.The poll also found a significant decline in overall past-month illicit drug use among youth ages 12-17 -- dropping from 11.6 percent in 2002 to 9.5 percent in 2007. There were reductions in the use of almost every type of illicit drug, including marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens, LSD, Ecstasy and methamphetamine, and in the abuse of such prescription drugs as pain relievers.
Alcohol use in this age group decreased from 17.6 percent in 2002 to 15.9 percent in 2007 and cigarette use declined from 13.0 percent in 2002 to 9.8 percent in 2007, according to the report, released at the start of the 19th annual National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.The reductions in cocaine and methamphetamine use among adults ages 18-25 coincide with reductions in their use among American workers.
Since 2005, there has been a 50 percent reduction in the level of workplace positive drug tests for methamphetamine. Pricing and quality for "meth" also underwent changes: according to the report, in 2007 there was an 84 percent increase in average price per pure gram and a 26 percent decrease in methamphetamine purity.
In 2007, the number of workplace positive drug tests for cocaine decreased 19 percent to the lowest levels in the history of the workplace testing system. Also in 2007, there was a 10 percent decrease in cocaine purity and a 21 percent increase in the average price per gram of the drug, the survey found.
The report did find that illicit drug use among older adults -- those aged 55 to 59 -- more than doubled, to 4.1 percent, in 2007. The finding seems to confirm that baby boomers have continued their higher levels of substance abuse as they age.
"Our efforts against methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illegal drugs are working," John Walters, director of National Drug Control Policy, said in a SAMHSA news release. "The markets for these poisons are shrinking, and the deadly grip they hold on the lives of individuals, families, and communities is being countered."
But, he added, "when it comes to prescription drugs, we cannot afford to re-live the painful experiences we've had with illegal drugs. We must act quickly to increase awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse, decrease the illegal diversion of these products, and shore up safer practices for their prescription and distribution."The survey also examined mental health issues and found that 24.3 million Americans aged 18 or older experienced serious psychological distress and 16.5 million Americans suffered at least one episode of major depression in 2007.
There's a strong association between substance abuse and mental health, the report noted. For example, adults 18 and older who had a major bout of depression in 2007 were more than twice as likely as other adults to have used illicit drugs -- 27.4 percent vs. 12.8 percent.

Valium, was previously known for ‘ anaesthetising a generation of British housewives’ in the 1960s and 70s. Now young people and drug addicts are taking it illegally alongside alcohol to ease withdrawal from other drugs. DrugScope, which said usage was rising in 15 out of 20 towns it surveyed, added it may also be used as a cheap alternative to heroin. Diazepam, nicknamed ‘blues’ or ‘vallies’, is available for as little as £1 a pill. In Valium’s heyday in the 1960s and 70s, it was prescribed in vast quantities by GPs. It is still prescribed in far smaller numbers for anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms or muscle spasms. But the illegal drugs are being brought in from other European countries where it is readily available. Many of the smugglers are holidaymakers returning from France, Spain and Portugal. Police and Customs seizures of diazepam have rocketed from 300,000 pills in the three years to June 2006 to two million in the two years since, DrugScope said. Long-term use is associated with mental health problems including forgetfulness, depression and agoraphobia. DrugScope’s chief executive Martin Barnes said: ‘The rise in the use of illicitly imported diazepam is concerning, particularly as drug users face a high risk of overdose when using the drug in combination with other drugs such as methadone and alcohol.’ Drugscope’s annual survey of substance use also found that the veterinary tranquilliser ketamine, which has been growing in popularity on the drug scene for several years, is now £20 a gram compared with £28 two years ago.

Hollywood actress Mischa Barton has revealed that she secretly checked into rehab after pleading guilty for drunken driving in 2007.The former ‘O. C.’ actress said that she punished herself by locking herself at an unnamed rehab after being arrested on suspicion of DUI in December.She was sentenced to 36 months on probation, alcohol education classes and a fine after pleading guilty to charges earlier this year."I wanted to prove to the court that I would take it completely seriously, so I went to rehab to prove I was sober,” Contactmusic quoted Barton, as saying."It really helped in getting the more serious aspects of my case dropped because, you know, that''s what they want to hear; you''re not an alcoholic and you don''t have a problem.“So I did it in the most low-key way possible - I didn''t make a fuss about it and I didn''t tell a lot of my friends, I just did the program and got through it," she said.She added: “The actress stated that she was disappointed in herself for her wrong doing and putting life in danger due to her reckless driving."The thing is, I hate drunk drivers, living in L. A., I can''t stand them, and that''s why I was so disappointed in myself, it’s so not worth it when you put other lives at risk," she said. (ANI)

Young men who die suddenly after being arrested by the police may be victims of a new syndrome similar to one that kills some wild animals when they are captured, Spanish researchers said on Tuesday.Manuel Martinez Selles of Madrid's Hospital Gregorio Maranon reached the conclusion after investigating 60 cases of sudden unexplained deaths in Spain following police detention.
In one third of the cases, death occurred at the point of arrest, while in the remainder death was within 24 hours, Selles told the annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology.All but one of the casualties were male and their average age was just 33 years, with no previous history of cardiovascular disease.
"Something unusual is going on," Sells said.
Just why they died remains a mystery but he believes young men, in particular, may experience surges in blood levels of chemicals known as catecholamines when under severe stress.Adrenaline is one of the most abundant catecholamines.
"We know that when a wild animal is captured, sometimes the animal dies suddenly," he said."Probably when these young males are captured it is very stressful and their level of catecholamines goes very high and that can finish their life by ventricular fibrillation (cardiac arrest)."Selles compiled his study -- the first of its kind in any country -- by scouring Spanish newspapers for cases of unexplained death after police detention over the past 10 years.Only sudden deaths with no clear causes were included and autopsy reports were checked to exclude the possibility of mistreatment or past serious medical conditions.Twelve of the victims were drug users but Selles said this was not thought to have contributed to their deaths.
Jonathan Halperin of the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, who was not involved in the research, said the concept of a heart stress syndrome triggered by a flood of adrenaline or other chemicals was "a reasonable hypothesis."
"We all know stress is bad for you and this may be stress in the extreme," he said.

extradition hearing for DMX in Miami on August 26 could have gone better. He appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Schwartz, hoping to be released on bond and ordered back to Arizona, where he faces multiple charges drug and paraphernalia possession.
However, as in a previous decision, Schawrtz decided to uphold the no bond status attached to a bench warrant issued for the rapper's arrest on August 12. The judge's decision means that X will have to remain in custody in South Florida, for at least one more month.With the decision handed down, DMX was heard to say "I ain't going back to no f***ing jail" as he walked away from the podium, a statement which did not sit well with the court."Oh, well that just ingratiated you to me," Schwartz replied before issuing a warning to X's lawyer, Charles Kozelka.
DMX was arrested at a North Miami Beach Wal-Mart store on August 14, just three days after missing a court appearance in Phoenix. He was set to go on trial for four counts of possessing drug paraphernalia and one count of possession of marijuana.
At the time of his arrest, Kozelka told the courts that he had missed the Phoenix appearance because he had checked into a Miami hospital, as a preliminary step to entering a drug rehab program.You're insane if you haven't seen this coming from a mile away but really, I think it's for his own good. If he's in jail, he can't do any further damage to himself or others, unless he decides to ‘keep it real' or something.In a somewhat more amusing piece, DMX is going to be starring in a reality TV show about, what else, his legal problems.
The show is going to be titled DMX: This Life of Mine and will follow DMX's attempt to resolve a string of legal problems, which include six arrests since May of 2008.
This Life of Mine will also feature DMX attempting to rehabilitate to himself, as he simultaneously attempts to avoid being sent to prison for pending charges of possessing drug paraphernalia, possessing marijuana, animal cruelty charges and theft, for allegedly giving a fake name when he was treated at a Scottsdale hospital earlier this year."In many ways, my life has been an open book," DMX said in a statement. "[But] I haven't always been the one writing the story. With this show; however, people will get to see and hear with their own eyes and ears what really goes on in my life and I think they'll come to understand me a little bit better with each episode.""When we were approached about doing this show, we knew right away that we wanted to be involved," After Platinum, the company behind the show, CEO Ernie Romero said. "DMX is a complex man and this show will reveal his many sides: the street side and the spiritual side, all rolled up in one." Complex? Uh…bizarre may be a better word.
DMX also believes the show will change the public's perception about him:
"After watching this show, people will come to realize that despite all the stories and all the rumors about me, despite how well they may think they know me, there is another side to DMX that they have never seen and hopefully, it will make people question what they see and hear about me in the future".

Darren Day has been banned from driving for 18 months having admitted to being over the drink-drive limit when he was arrested in June.The actor and singer was apprehended by Cardiff police in the early hours of the morning of June 18th and was taken into custody before being released on bail.And testifying at Cardiff magistrates court on Wednesday, the 40-year-old pleaded guilty to drink-driving.
He had previously denied exceeding the legal alcohol limit and an earlier court hearing had heard that officers had been unable to take a breathalyser sample from Day after arresting him in the Welsh capital's city centre.However, the previous hearing also heard that Day had later provided a positive sample while in custody which revealed that he had 65 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35 micrograms.Day, who had been starring in the musical Hello Dolly! alongside former EastEnders actress Anita Dobson at the time off his arrest, was due to stand trial at Cardiff magistrates court on Wednesday morning but arrived without legal representation and entered a guilty plea.
As well as an 18-month ban from driving, District Judge Geraint Watkins also fined The I'm A Celebrity… star £700.Famed for his colourful love life - having dated and broken up with Anna Friel, Isla Fisher and Dancing On Ice winner Suzanne Shaw, with whom he has a son, Corey - Day recently gave an interview claiming to have reformed since his marriage in 2007."Life's very different for me now to what it was. I've landed on my feet really," he told the Western Mail newspaper."I married this wonderful lady and it's changed my life. She's pretty much 100 per cent responsible for changing my life around and my children have been inspirational too - life's fantastic.

Marion "Suge" Knight was jailed today on assault and drug charges after he was accused of beating his girlfriend while brandishing a knife near the Las Vegas Strip, police said. Suge posted $19,000 bail and was scheduled to be released late today with a promise to appear Sept. 26 in Las Vegas Justice Court, a court spokeswoman said.Police said the founder of the bankrupt Death Row Records was arrested about 6:40 a.m. after officers arrived at the scene of a minor traffic accident and found Knight hitting a woman in a parking lot off a busy thoroughfare.
"A citizen sees the beating in a parking lot, police get there fast, they see him beating her. It's a good solid case," said Las Vegas police Lt. Chris Carroll.
The woman was not stabbed but she was treated at a hospital for injuries that Carroll said were not life-threatening. Police did not release the woman's name or age, but said she identified herself as Knight's girlfriend of three years.
"This is a very large man," Carroll said, estimating his weight at more than twice the woman's. "He was on top of her, actually in the act of violently beating her when the officers arrived, with the knife in his hand."At least one officer drew a Taser stun gun as they approached Knight, said Officer Jacinto Rivera, a police spokesman. He said he did not know if the officers drew their handguns.Knight dropped the folding knife and was taken into custody without incident, Carroll said.
He was booked into the Clark County jail on felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor charges of possession of dangerous drugs without a prescription and domestic violence.
Knight had the drugs Ecstasy and hydrocodone when he was arrested, Carroll said, but it was not clear if he or the woman had used drugs or alcohol before the arrest.
Lawyers David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, who are representing Knight, said they wanted to gather information about the arrest and talk with Knight before commenting.
Rivera said Knight and the woman left a Las Vegas strip club, Spearmint Rhino, shortly before the arrest. They were alone in a champagne-colored Cadillac Escalade.
Police said Knight and the woman argued in the vehicle while Knight was driving before he allegedly punched her in the head.
"The victim purposely grabbed the steering wheel and caused the vehicle to hit the curb," police said in a statement. Police said the woman tried to run away, but Knight caught her.Knight has a history of legal problems, he was convicted of assault in 1992 and placed on probation, then jailed for five years in 1996 for violating that probation.
He returned to jail in 2003 for again violating parole for punching a parking attendant at a Hollywood nightclub. He was released the next year. Knight was wounded during a shooting at a party in a Miami nightclub in August 2005.
Seems to me like Mr.Knight has some anger issues, but that's just my opinion!!

Shouldn't people know by now drugs are not allowed on planes, and any attempts to smuggle some will have them arrested? It turns out 48-year-old actress Mackenzie Phillips, best known for her role on the sitcom "One Day A Time" over 20 years ago doesn't know any better and she was busted for possession of cocaine and heroin at Los Angeles International Airport on Wednesday morning. She was taken into custody after security found the drugs in her carry on luggage.According to TMZ, Phillips, who is the daughter of The Mamas and the Papas lead singer, John Phillips, had her stuff screened by TSA and the officers recovered some baggies and balloons believed to contain heroin and cocaine. "During a second screening process, a small amount of what was believed to be heroin and cocaine was discovered on her person," Sgt. Jim Holcomb, spokesman for Los Angeles Airport Police, told E! News.
"She is being booked at Pacific Division and then transferred to Van Nuys," added Holcomb. "Bail has not been set."The actress was exposed to drugs from a very early age and has a long history of drug abuse. As a kid, she said she prepared joints for her late father.
"I grew up in mansions, but everything was dirty and broken," she told USA Weekend magazine in 1999. "Very little was going on inside except sex, drugs and rock and roll."Early on, she knew she had a problem."The first time I had a drink, it woke up the sleeping monster inside me," she said.According to NNDB, the actress, who is also the half-sister of Chynna Phillips and Bijou Phillips, was fired from "One Day at a Time" on two separate occasions after she was late to work and so drunk or stoned she could not function. The first suspension was for a season in 1980. They welcomed her back in 1981 once she got clean, but she fell off the wagon and once again lost her job a couple years later.In 1994, she turned her life around, appearing as a drug counselor on "90210." A few years later, she also starred on Disney show "So Weird," saying the network's producers, "embraced [her] baggage."
"Why did I survive?" she asked in USA Weekend. "Maybe it's to say to others, 'This happened to me. It could happen to you.' I don't mind being a poster girl."Mackenzie must be in a really bad place if she is bringing drugs in her hand luggage. Maybe this arrest will be the motivation she needs to clean up. She has been in rehab a few times and nothing really worked long term for her. At 48, she is looking at an early death if she keeps using.

Russian wrestler Wakanoho was banned for life by the Japan Sumo Association on Thursday after being arrested earlier this week on suspicion of possessing marijuana.
Wakanoho, whose real name is Soslan Aleksandrovich Gagloev, was taken into custody on Monday after police officers found a marijuana cigarette in a wallet he lost in Tokyo in June.Someone found the wallet and handed it to police, who traced it to the 357-pound wrestler because of an identification card inside.Wakanoho told police he had received the marijuana from a foreigner in Roppongi - a Tokyo district famous for its bars, clubs and raucous nightlife.Wakanoho's ban - the first handed to an active wrestler in sumo's long history - was announced after an emergency meeting of the JSA executive board.Under Japan's Cannabis Control Law, possession of marijuana is punishable by up to five years in prison with forced labour. Foreigners convicted of drugs crimes can also be deported from Japan and slapped with a lifetime re-entry ban.It was unclear how prosecutors planned to proceed with the case. Wakanoho turned 20 on July 8 and was legally a minor at the time of the alleged violation
After his professional debut in March 2005, Wakanoho powered his way up the ranks, reaching the top sumo division in a little over two and a half years. He was one of 15 foreign wrestlers in the highest "makuuchi" level, along with Mongolian grand champions Asashoryu and Hakuho.His fiery temper has often overshadowed his talent. In May, the JSA reprimanded the Russian for smashing a shelf in the wrestlers' communal bathroom following a defeat.He is not the first foreign wrestler to get into trouble in Japan's ancient sport.

There are 40 guests currently lodged at the City of Rest. Nine of them are females. The males occupy the ground floor, six or eight to a room with bunk beds. The females share one big room- big enough to accommodate nine guests- and a parlor upstairs. They are entitled to three meals a day- breakfast, lunch and dinner. For recreation they have access to a television, table tennis, volleyball, chess and draught. And it does not cost the guests a penny! This place is more than a city of rest; it is a Five Star Hotel for those who cannot afford

He is chained on the feet and his upper body is trapped in the naked frame of a metal chair. He has bruises on his face, looks dizzy and is clumsily dressed. Thefirst image that comes to my mind is a convicted hardened criminal on death row, but Chernoh is only a guest at the City of Rest - an unassuming two-storey counseling and rehabilitation center, which looks more like a dwelling house, located at No. 34 Fort Street, Freetown. Chernoh was brought to the healing center by his parents. He is suffering from drug addiction. His movement is restricted- with the chain and metal chair - because he is a relatively new guest. "When they are brought in we have to restrict their mobility because they often respond violently to their new environment," said Mr Kabie Fornah, Supervisor of the guests. "But after about two weeks they adapt, and they become less violent. That’s when we take off the chains." Fornah denies seizing the freedom of his guests. "We are not seizing their freedom. If we leave them on their own they will run away. This place does not have a fence..." he says.Fornah is more or less regarded as the City Father because he is directly involved with the guests. He ensures they stay within limits and follow laid down daily routine. Himself a drug abuser for about 20 years before he get to know Jesus Christ, Fornah knows what it means when someone is into drugs, and his experience of nine years working at the center all the more matters. "They need constant attention. They need that care, love and compassion. They need encouragement… and love," he says. 90% of the guests at City of Rest are drug related cases, says Director of the Center Rev. Morie S. Ngobeh - a fragile-looking old man. The general history, he says, is drug addiction especially with cocaine, heroine and marijuana. However, there are other cases of mental disorder, demonic attacks and traumas. "Drug abuse is on the rise in Sierra Leone, affecting the lives of our young people," says Pastor Ngobeh, as he is called for short.
"Among the causes is the increase of drug trafficking activities in West Africa. More and more, Sierra Leone is serving as a transit point for drugs smuggling into Europe and the USA."
Last month about 700 kilograms of cocaine was discovered inside an abandoned light aircraft which illegally landed at the Lungi International Airport, Lungi. Before that a string of drug arrests have been made over the years and Airport authorities say there is a steady increase in drug smuggling through the International gateway.
But, somehow, a good quantity of the cocaine that is supposed to be smuggled into Europe find its way into small drug dens called potes scattered across the country.
"Almost every street in Freetown has a pote and the stock-in-trade has moved mainly from marijuana to cocaine and a related substance called brown-brown," says Fornah. He says government must take strong action against the local drug trade to secure the future of its youths. Similarly, Pastor Ngobeh calls for a united approach to tackle what he describes as ‘two big monsters’- drug abuse and alcoholism. He suggests a ban on alcohol and cigarette advertisement on national television.
"When young people see these ads," he says, "they develop the urge to experiment what they have seen." However, Pastor Ngobeh’s center is not involved in drugs abuse prevention; it heals the victims and sends them back to society to live a normal life. Hundreds of drug/demonic/trauma victims have passed through the center since it was officially opened in 1996 and many have come back to give testimony and help the center in some ways. In fact most of the volunteer staff were once guests of the center."They (guests) come from everywhere, not just Sierra Leoneans. They come from the sub region-Liberia and The Gambia, Europe- Holland and America," says the reverend.The center relies mainly on prayers and counseling for healing. Guests are medically examined once on admission by consultant psychiatrist, Dr Nahim. The rest of the healing process is left to prayers, deliverance and counseling.
"God does all the healing. We commit them to God through Biblical counseling and we lift their hopes," says Pastor Ngobeh.In its 12 of years of existence, the center has never received support from the Government of Sierra Leone - financial or otherwise. Support comes mainly through donations from gospel ministries, monthly contributions by parents of guests and from some of those who have passed through the center. During my first visit to the center, the Pastor of Flaming Church was there to donate the sum of Le4.5m to what he calls a ‘good cause.’
In addition, the Government of Sierra Leone recently officially allocated 3.2 acres of land at Grafton to the center, and Pastor Ngobeh is convinced construction of a befitting structure will commence this November. And by next year he hopes to move in with his guests and maintain the Fort Street facility for administrative work.
"God will provide the funds," he says.Pastor Ngobeh’s passion for his work is unlikely for a man of his age. At one point he was stabbed on the leg by one of his guests whom he describes as the son of a prominent lawyer. At some other point he was scolded on the neck by another and was only freed by the intervention of some staff. In both instances the pastor’s retaliation was: "I still love you," and he meant it."I love my work," he says. "It is God’s call. My joy is to see them free; free from drugs and from whatever torment."He continues: "This is a place of rest for them. When they come here they get peace and we teach them about God’s plan for them… And they come back to give testimony." At the end of the day the guests go through what is called an Assessment period, during which they are released to visit their homes, spend some time there and return to the center before dusk. If they go through this process successfully, then it means they are ready to go back into society and live like any normal person."We organize a graduation ceremony for them and we give them certificates. We have had guests from all walks of life- lawyers, accountants, students, teachers, sons of Presidents…." says Pastor Ngobeh proudly.

Four students at a school for young people with substance-abuse problems appeared in court last night on gang-assault charges, a felony, in the beating of another student who was left unconscious.Police were called to the Phoenix Academy on Stony Street around 1:30 p.m. Friday after a staff member reported that a client had been assaulted.Several officers and detectives responded and charged Terry V. Rhymer, 20, of the Bronx; Travis Carter, 20, of Brooklyn; and Joshua Richardson, 20, and Olusegun Isijola, 17, both of Queens, with second-degree gang assault, police said.
The injured student was treated at Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Cortlandt.
Phoenix Academy is a partnership between Phoenix House and the New York City Department of Education.The suspects were being held without bail at the Westchester County jail in Valhalla.Last night, the four appeared before Judge David Zuckerman, who, for at least two of the men, approved their lawyers' request to continue the case to tomorrow, when a felony hearing will be held. The court dates for the other two were not immediately available last night.

Convicted Australian drug smuggler Schapelle Corby has had three months cut from her 20-year sentence as part of Indonesia's independence day celebrations, an official says.Bali Nine heroin mule Renae Lawrence also had her sentence cut by four months as part of the celebrations, Yon Suharyono told reporters.“Corby officially gets today, on Indonesia's Independence Day, a three-month cut off her sentence,” said Suharyono, the head of Bali's Kerobokan jail where Corby is being held.
He said it was the second time authorities had cut the 31-year-old's sentence. It was reduced by three months in 2006.With today's remission, Corby is expected to be freed by April 12, 2024, he added.The former beauty therapist was found guilty in 2005 of trafficking 4.1 kilograms of marijuana to Indonesia.
She has always maintained she is innocent.Corby - who has struggled with depression since her final appeal was rejected in March, when Indonesia's Supreme Court upheld her 20-year term - missed out on a sentence cut twice last year because a mobile phone was found in her cell.Meanwhile Lawrence, the only female member of the so-called Bali Nine ring of Australian heroin traffickers, received a four-month cut from her 20-year sentence, Suharyono said.Indonesia grants sentence cuts of up to six months, twice a year - once to mark Independence Day and another to mark major religious holidays according to a convict's faith.

Craig Phillip Robinson, who plays Darryl Philbin on the NBC show, was arrested on 29 June on suspicion of possessing MDMA, also known as ecstasy, and methamphetamine.
He was released on bail the same day, however Los Angeles County prosecutors have charged him with two felony counts of drug possession and one count of being under the influence of illegal drugs.The 36-year-old is due to appear in court on 21 August. His publicist declined to comment on the charges over the weekend.
Robinson also appears in the comedy film 'Pineapple Express', which is due to be released in Ireland next month.

Trustees of Mentor UK, which works to help children to steer clear of drugs, are so concerned at the publicity surrounding the case that they will decide next month whether Mrs Rausing should remain as their patron. The move will cause huge embarrassment to the Swedish dynasty, since Mentor UK is part of an international drugs foundation established by Queen Silvia of Sweden in 1994.
Eva Rausing, who along with her husband Hans – heir to the multibillion-pound Tetra Pak fortune – escaped with a conditional caution last week for possession of class-A drugs, faces being dumped by a British drugs charity that she helped to set up.
Eric Carlin, the charity's chief executive, said: "Obviously we are concerned about anything that's going to be problematic for the charity. As things stand she remains a patron, but we're having a trustees' meeting on 3 September and this will be on the agenda."In contrast, Mrs Rausing's role as trustee of the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment is set to continue. This follows a robust defence mounted by Prince Charles last week when he insisted that she deserved a "second chance".
The couple were arrested in April after Mrs Rausing was found with heroin and crack cocaine in her handbag at a party at the US embassy in London. A police search of the couple's £5m Georgian townhouse in Chelsea uncovered a £2,000 stash of crack, heroin and cocaine.The pair had first met at a drug rehabilitation clinic in the US 25 years ago and have given vast sums to addiction charities over many years. But although rumours had persisted about the couple's continued drug-taking, it was only after their arrest earlier this year that it became public that both were addicted to crack and heroin. Shortly after her arrest, Mrs Rausing, the daughter of a senior Pepsi-Cola executive, said, "I intend to seek the help that I very much need," adding, "I am ashamed of my actions."But the sentiment has not prevented the police from publicly attacking the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) over its controversial decision to let the rich couple off with a conditional caution. A spokeswoman for the Police Federation for England and Wales said yesterday: "Cases such as these highlight that there are intrinsic weaknesses in the CPS. It is not only frustrating for police who detect and arrest crimes and criminals to then see sentencing and bail conditions undermine offences, but soft sentencing for cases can send confusing messages to the public."And Peter Smyth, chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation, claimed: "If that had been an ordinary couple from a council estate, they would have received a far greater sanction."Sir Ian Blair, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, is writing to the Office of Criminal Justice Reform this week to outline his concerns about the use of conditional cautions for drug offences. But Dru Sharpling, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, insisted: "The policy and practice surrounding conditional cautions is applied consistently to both rich and poor." Under the terms of the caution, the couple will spend the next four months in a drug rehabilitation programme and submit to drug tests.
A statement from the Rausing family said: "We hope with all our hearts that Hans and Eva can overcome their addiction and we continue to do what we can to help." A spokesperson for Tetra Pak said: "There will be no comment on a private family matter."
While the couple are now receiving treatment for their drug problems, Mr Rausing remains under scrutiny by police, with inquiries continuing into allegations that he drove off after his Audi Quattro was involved in an accident in London in June.

In the basement of an Omaha home, a narcotics investigator pushed a chest of drawers away from a wood-paneled wall and found a door — and way more than he expected.
You never know what household item might be pressed into service as a place to hide illegal drugs, as law enforcement officials have learned over the years. Among such stashes are a soft drink can with a false bottom.Behind the wall was a secret room where drugs were stashed — along with the drug dealer's girlfriend.
The illicit lair had a bed, clothes, toiletries and bottles of urine. The dealer apparently let out his girlfriend when his wife was at work, said retired Omaha Police Sgt. Mark Langan."He had worse trouble trying to explain that to his wife than trying to explain what he had in his house to us," Langan said.
With cases such as that, Nebraska and Iowa investigators weren't surprised at recent news about drugs being smuggled in hidden compartments on trains. Union Pacific is challenging $38 million in federal fines after the Border Patrol repeatedly found drugs hidden in railcars.The places where drug dealers and users hide their wares is limited only by their imaginations, area officers say.
"These people have a lot of time to think of stuff like this," said Sheriff Steven MacDonald in Fremont County, Iowa.Cops searching cars find secret compartments that seem straight out of a spy movie."The electronics to get into these false compartments is just ingenious," said Mark Overman, a Scottsbluff police detective. "Step on the brake, tune the radio to a certain station and then activate the brake lights — that might kick the compartment open."
Area cops find drugs in cars in a variety of places: inside seats, tires, gas tanks, lights and hollowed car batteries.One drug ring cut open drive shafts, inserted plastic pipes filled with drugs and welded the shafts shut, Overman said.
Another dealer tried to blend in with the locals by using a horse trailer to haul horses — and 100 pounds of marijuana under the trailer's false floor, Overman said.
Animals were a distraction in the most unusual case recalled by a Nebraska National Guard counterdrug team leader. A man hid his methamphetamine in the bottom of his pet snakes' tank.In homes, detectives find drugs inside air ducts, in safes under carpeted floors, inside TV sets and wrapped like meat in the freezer. They see false bottoms on cans that look like they would contain pop, hair spray and Pennzoil.
State troopers recently found cocaine underneath chips in a canister of Pringles, Nebraska State Patrol Lt. Scott Kracl said.Suspects sometimes unintentionally give cops a helping hand.Omaha police once opened an address book and found a list titled "Hidden cocaine locations." Ajax can. Butter drawer. Shirt pocket.
Yes, it was correct.In another case, detectives noticed a dirty shovel in the basement, which had a dirt floor, near a spot that looked like it had been recently refilled. A little underground sleuthing netted 10 pounds of meth.
Dealers frequently bury their treasure. "You can get out on a county road, you can look around and see no one's coming," Overman said. "You go out and bury it by a road sign."
The saddest spots are drugs hidden around young children: in car seats, diaper bags, even clothes or diapers children were wearing.Some people conceal drugs in, um, their own hidden compartment. "We'd run up on people and see them put their hands in their pants," Langan said.A few times a year, Omaha police get court orders to have medical professionals search suspects' bodies.
The biggest find: A female dealer hiding 17 grams of crack cocaine, about half the size of a golf ball.Suspects sometimes swallow the goods.
Omaha police get a court order to pump a stomach when a suspect's life may be in danger. If not, they wait until what went in comes out.Langan said, laughing: "Anyone who thought being a narcotics officer was a glamorous job . . . "Of course, a few suspects don't bother to hide much.
Sheriff MacDonald recalled stopping a 1966 turquoise Chevy Impala that was going 104 mph.
"The passenger's sitting over there in this lethargic la-la land," he said. He and the driver were so high, "neither of them knew if they were sitting or on horseback."
On the back seat was an open duffel bag, stuffed with money.
The driver, slowly stringing together words, asked, "What's the problem, officer?"
"He has a needle hanging out of his vein, tourniquet still on his arm," MacDonald said, still incredulous. "I'm thinking 'That could be the problem.' "

The attraction of drugs for some is just too powerful to resist and even more so when you are in a relationship where both people are users (abusers). Drugs and celebrities is not a unique phenomenon in that it is restricted to Indonesia, it can be found throughout the world of celebrities. Yet, it is sad that Indonesia's younger celebrities are increasingly getting caught up in the world of drugs. The recent arrest of a young rising star, Sheila Marcia (photo), highlights the dangers of letting your demons get the better of you. Sheila Marcia had been making a bit of a name for herself in Indonesian horror films, such as Manggarai Ghost Train (Kereta Hantu Manggarai).Sheila Marcia was arrested last week allegedly at a drug party in North Jakarta. The party was being held in the Golden Sky Apartment complex in Pluit in room number 8 on the 7th floor. This is the beauty of Indonesia where the information is always available in the scandal pages. I wonder how anyone ever keeps a secret in this part of the world.
Unfortunately, her boyfriend, Roger Danuarta, has gone to ground. It has been suggested that he is in drug rehab. However, this has been denied by his family. Roger is also a celebrity for his Indonesia soap opera appearances. Nevertheless, the going to ground is probably a smart move on his part because if he is using the police will find out. I am sure that this is small comfort to his young girlfriend who could probably do with some support from her man.
However, standard police practice in Indonesia with regards to drug allegations is to do a urine test. He is sure to take some flack for this as he probably will not be paying a visit to his girlfriend anytime soon or at least until any drugs that he has been taking have cleared the system. Although the police have said that they are not looking for him in relation to this case.The sad part here is that Sheila is only 19 years old. The good thing here is that she is only 19 years old. If she wants to she should be able to recover from this and still have a career. It is being reported that over the last week in detention she has come closer to God. This is always a good ploy but if she really believed in God she probably should have considered getting a little closer a little sooner.
In Australia this offence would probably attract no jail time and perhaps a slap on the wrist in the form of a community service order. As a young starlet she could do a lot of good educating other youngsters about the dangers of drugs and the impact that it can have on your life and the lives of those around you.Then again, it is Indonesia. I wonder how much jail time she will get?

SHOCK new figures reveal drug deaths in the Falkirk area are spiralling.
Last year, 15 lives were lost, a rise of 50 per cent on the previous 12 months.Despite high-profile operations by Central Scotland Police to crack down on dealers – £2 million-worth of drugs were taken off the streets in 2007-08 – the human cost of addiction continues to rise.Now an MSP has called for everyone to work together to tackle the problem.Cathy Peattie said: "There has to be a joined up approach across all services if we are going to do something about this."And let's be quite clear, it isn't just affecting one group, it's all sections of society which are affected. It's a terrible situation and we need to do something now."
The grim statistics were revealed in a report by the Registrar General for Scotland which analysed drug-related deaths across the country.
Across Scotland there were 455 deaths through drugs in 2007, an eight per cent rise on the previous year and 103 per cent more than in 1997.Forth Valley had one of the highest increases in deaths through drug misuse.Last year, there were 26 fatalities, a rise of two from 2006 but compared to just four in 1997.The Falkirk Council figures show deaths had been rising steadily from 2003 but jumped from 10 to 15 last year. A decade ago there were no drug-related deaths in this area.Eight people died after taking heroin or morphine, two from methadone, three from diazepam and six through alcohol abuse.Admitting drugs remain readily available in communities, Central Scotland Police chief constable Andrew Cameron said his officers had worked hard to dismantle and disrupt supply networks.Highlighting the £2 million of seizures, he paid tribute to communities "which have decided they will not tolerate this activity on their doorsteps and have given information which has led to this quite incredible quantity of drugs being taken out of circulation".
Mr Cameron said: "We arrest drug dealers and work with partners to really try and raise awareness of the dangers of drugs. We are keen to ensure that young people make choices around this issue and are fully aware of the devastating impact it can have on family life."The Falkirk East MSP also stressed that drugs don't just affect those misusing the substances but also their family and friends.Mrs Peattie said: "It's heartbreaking to listen to parents tell of how they've tried to get support because they're desperate to do whatever they can for their bairns.
"These figures clearly show drug deaths are on the increase. The police are doing a smashing job tackling the dealers but we need to do more to ensure that no more young people's lives are lost or wasted."We need all agencies working together to tackle this. The time people are having to wait for treatment and follow-up support – which needs to be longer than a couple of months – is currently too long. Those at risk need to be identified and action taken much quicker if we are to get results and drive down these figures."The local authority is also involved in the war on drugs. Fiona Campbell, head of policy and performance review, said: "Substance misuse can have devastating consequences resulting in real tragedy for families involved."Falkirk Council looks to ensure the delivery of services for substance misusers and their families by our leading role in the Falkirk
Substance Action Team. This includes the provision of a tiered approach from basic information and education to intensive rehabilitation therapy.
"Addressing the issues of substance misuse is a priority for elected members and the council."

Traces of cocaine were found in the body of a renowned ultra-Orthodox philanthropist who was killed in a car accident six months ago, according to an investigation carried out by British police. Benzion Dunner, 45, a father of nine from the wealthy North London neighborhood of Golders Green, had apparently been under the influence of the drug when he decided to drive two of his sons and a family friend to a holiday home in Bournemouth, in the south of England. The circumstances leading up to the accident remained mysterious until newspapers in Britain this week reported the results of an inquest into the crash.
The investigation found that Dunner, who lost control of his Bentley while overtaking another vehicle at 130 km/h, had taken cocaine prior to the incident. Dunner was killed instantly after his car slid down an embankment and ploughed into a tree. His passengers and the two men traveling in the other vehicle escaped with minor injuries. Two days before the accident Dunner threw a Purim party at his London home. His relatives said he was "writing checks until 4 in the morning," that amounted to more than 2 million pounds. His funeral was attended by 3,000 mourners.
The inquest relied on the testimony of a toxicologist who claimed to have found traces of cocaine in Dunner's blood and urine. Asked if the cocaine would have affected the victim's driving, the Bournemouth coroner Mr. Sheriff Payne told the "Sure, yes." After his death, Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks paid tribute to Dunner, saying he was "an outstanding exemplar of Jewish values and Jewish responsibility...whose work was done quietly behind the scenes and was all the more impressive for that.

"I didn't have cocaine on me - or anywhere in my office," Reaves said. "I don't have a substance-abuse problem. I'm fine. People are saying all this stuff about me, and it's not true."
John Reaves seemed to have it all. He was Tampa's foremost high-school football icon, leading Robinson High School to the brink of a state championship in 1967. At the University of Florida, he became the NCAA's all-time leading passer.
After a much-publicized restaurant altercation and standoff with police in 1980, in which he admitted "bottoming out" after several years of alcohol and drug addiction during an NFL career, he underwent treatment and pronounced himself clean. Later, he became quarterback of his hometown professional team, the United States Football League's Tampa Bay Bandits.
The hell-and-back story made the pages of Sports Illustrated. During the interview, the magazine's writer said Reaves, a born-again Christian, presented him with a Bible.Now trouble has again found Reaves, 58, a Realtor.
Tampa police arrested Reaves last week, charging him with possession of cocaine and introduction of contraband into a detention facility. He had been arrested on a warrant for aggravated assault firearm-possession earlier on Wednesday, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office jail Web site.
Reaves said Monday he pointed a gun at someone in self-defense and that law enforcement planted the cocaine on him.
"That's the truth, yes sir," said Reaves, who acknowledged he has resumed drinking after staying clear of alcohol for 20 years, but hasn't used cocaine in "many, many years."Drug Claim 'Isn't Correct'Told that Reaves said the cocaine had been planted, police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said, "His statement isn't correct, and it doesn't make sense because he was already going to jail on a more serious charge than possession of drugs."His bail was set at $9,000 after his arrest. He has been released from jail.Reaves pointed a chrome revolver at a person during an argument in June, and that person took pictures of the offense with a cell phone, a police report states.An officer went to Reaves' home to arrest him July 26 and could see someone looking out the window and later closing the wooden shutters on the inside of the front door."I had my firearm out and pointed it towards the door and ordered this individual out," the police report states. "This met with no avail."
After attempts failed to get the person out, a shift commander ordered officers out of the area, the report says.In the incident that led to the warrant, Tray Williams, who took the cell phone pictures, told police he was in his home with a friend when Reaves pulled into his driveway, blowing the car horn.Williams said that Reaves appeared intoxicated during the confrontation and "just started yelling profanities at me. It was just awful. Just way off the cuff."
Reaves asked whether Williams knew who he was and threatened him, Williams said.
Williams said he had moved a large foreclosure sign near his property and Reaves was upset. Williams said he left a note on the sign informing the owner that it was a traffic hazard and against city code.Reaves said he was a Realtor and "DO NOT TOUCH THAT SIGN AGAIN, YOU WANT ME TO HURT YOU," the report states.Reaves later pulled a gun on Williams, the report says.
Reaves said that during the argument, Williams had a cell phone in one hand and a gun in the other. The former football player said he took an unloaded gun out of his vehicle and pointed it at Williams in self-defense."I've never fired that gun," Reaves said. "I guess I didn't know you couldn't pull out a gun like that. I'm not a thief and I'm not a criminal, but I've made a lot of stupid mistakes.Reaves' attorney, Nicholas M. Matassini, said his client will plead not guilty to the charges against him.
"He was protecting himself, which he was entitled to do," Matassini said.
Williams said he was not carrying a gun in his confrontation with Reaves. He said he owns a gun but keeps it locked and inaccessible because he has children.
"I've got a family. It's just for protection," Williams said. "Nor would I ever think of pulling it out."
While Reaves was being processed at the jail, a deputy found cocaine in a bag in Reaves' possession, a second report states.
Reaves said six police officers stormed his office, ransacked it and searched every pocket he had before arresting him. "They stormed my office like I was Jesse James," he said.When he was searched in jail, a deputy pulled cocaine out of his pocket, he said. He claimed the police officers planted it there.

Ryan Glenn, 29, of Lubbock, was arrested Wednesday. Glenn was employed for two years by the Frenship Independent School District as a coach at Frenship Middle School and a teacher at Frenship High School. Linsae Snider, FISD director of public relations, announced at a press conference at the FISD central office Friday that Glenn submitted his resignation Friday morning.
“The Frenship Independent School District, like the rest of the community, was shocked to learn of the arrest of Mr. Ryan Glenn on drug-related charges,” Snider said. “The district has no evidence that during his employment, Mr. Glenn engaged in any illegal activity during school time.” Snider said all other inquiries regarding Glenn’s arrest should be directed to law enforcement officials.

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