Broncos defensive tackle Thomas will not be charged with drug possession

Denver Broncos defensive tackle Marcus Thomas will not face any charges for possession of a controlled substance, an issue that had been clouding his future since he was arrested March 1.

Thomas was cleared and the case was dropped, according to the Clay County (Fla.) Web site. Thomas' lawyer Charles Truncale confirmed that the state attorney informed him charges would not be filed. Thomas was promised no second chances by the Broncos after they took him in the 2007 draft despite a rocky college career off the field, but the team showed patience after his arrest, believing he was innocent.

"I'm just real pleased the system worked," Truncale said.

Thomas was arrested by Orange Park (Fla.) Police in the early morning hours of March 1 for possession of a controlled substance. He spent the night in jail. His representatives claimed the driver, Bryce Carter, took responsibility for a baggie with a small amount of cocaine in the car. That admission was not included in the police report.

Thomas' agent and lawyer said Thomas had been out drinking with friends near his hometown of Jacksonville, Fla., and did not want to drive home, so he got a ride with Carter.

The Broncos, who took Thomas in the fourth round of the 2007 draft even though Thomas had been kicked off Florida's team as a senior, released a statement saying they would monitor the situation before making any decisions.

The state attorney's office had been reviewing the case since then, continuing Thomas' court hearing many times.

 See more in Saturday's Gazette