Nick Fairley cleared of drug charge

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Former Auburn and current Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley was in a Mobile courtroom Tuesday morning.

The Mobile-native came to town ahead of a big game with the Green Bay Packers to answer to a charge of marijuana possession. The charge was dropped.

Nick Fairley stood inside a Mobile courtroom in a finely-tailored suit, charged with second-degree marijuana possession.

Mobile police say on the morning of April 3 , neighbors on Morningside Drive called to complain about a suspicious Cadillac Escalade riding through the neighborhood.

Inside, Nick Fairley was driving with his friend Eric Taylor.

When an officer pulled them over, he found a small amount of marijuana and a grinder in the back seat. The officer described smelling a strong odor of pot.

"It was not Mr. Fairley's,” said defense attorney Sid Harrell.

Harrell said his client passed a drug test the next day.

Harrell said, "He's in the NFL, he plays for the Detroit Lions. He tests three or four times a week with the Detriot Lions. Everything's been negative from day one, he doesn't use drugs."

In court, we learned that Fairley's friend, Taylor, took responsibility for owning the marijuana.

Defense attorney Sid Harrell said Fairley has passed every drug test administered. In fact, Tuesday he took a drug test downtown. He passed. So the judge dropped the charge. Then, Fairley walked out of Government Plaza, headed for a plane bound for Detroit.

"He's up in Detroit doing some good things for the community and the NFL is keeping a tight lid on him,” said Harrell.

His friend Eric Taylor will have his day in court next week.

Fairley also faces a DUI charge for an arrest back in May. Defense attorney Sid Harrell says Fairley will be back in court to answer on that charge on Feb. 7.