DeSean Jackson’s Wrecked Car Contained Marijuana And Bullets, Police Investigating

Police investigating the crash of Tampa Bay Buccaneers player DeSean Jackson’s car over the weekend in Florida found two .38 caliber hollow-point bullets and 6.3 grams of marijuana in the vehicle.

Jackson, 31, said he was not driving the car when it crashed into a tree on West Shore Boulevard at International Mall on the night of Christmas Eve, Sports Illustrated reported. He added he loaned his Chevy Silverado to the friend, who after crashing into the tree, fled the scene. The police said Jackson, at first, declined to cooperate with them as part of the investigation, but later obliged and passed on the name of the person who was driving the car.

The player was not part of a match his team played against the Carolina Panthers, due to an ankle injury, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

The bullets were legal in Florida, but possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor, according to the law. Hollow-point bullets, such as the ones found in Jackson’s car, are designed to expand as they strike the target, which in turn lead to larger wounds. The police impounded the vehicle.

The player’s representative, Denise White, said: "It was a friend of DeSean's who borrowed his car while he was out of town. … None of what was in the car was his obviously. He's dealing with the person that was using it without his knowledge privately. The incident is being handled," Sports Illustrated reported.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also released a statement Wednesday: “We are aware of a one-car accident involving a vehicle registered to DeSean Jackson on the night of Dec. 24. Our understanding is that DeSean has been in contact with authorities and is cooperating with the investigation.”

No arrests have been made regarding the crash, but Jackson will be subjected to an investigation by the National Football League, American sports website Sporting News reported.

This is not the first time Jackson has been in the limelight for the wrong reasons. In 2012, Los Angeles Police investigated Jackson for a murder which took place in a building owned or leased by Jackson’s family member.

In March 2014, he was cut off by the Philadelphia Eagles after they reportedly uncovered information about his off-field activities. Jackson then denied he belonged to any gangs. However, he did mention he was associated with “certain people” from his Los Angeles neighborhood.

Buccaneers’ wide receiver is currently finishing his first season as a member of the franchise. He was signed on in March 2016 as part of a three-year deal worth $33.5 million. The contract included $7.5 million of his 2018 salary being guaranteed.

During this season, Jackson caught 50 passes for 668 years, but only had three touchdowns. His average of 13.4 yards per catch was a career low. As the investigation goes on, his status for Sunday’s match against New Orleans Saints remains uncertain.