Bulls' Noah arrested on marijuana, open-container charges

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Authorities in Gainesville have charged Chicago Bulls forward and former Florida star Joakim Noah with possession of marijuana and having an open container of alcohol.

Gainesville police spokesman Sgt. Rick Roberts says Noah was arrested around 1:50 a.m. Sunday after an officer spotted him on a sidewalk holding a plastic cup containing an amber drink, a violation of city law. During a search at the station, officers found marijuana in his pocket.

Noah was released after signing a notice to appear before a judge -- standard procedure for such offenses. He could face up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine for the marijuana charge.

Noah led the Gators to back-to-back national championships before being picked ninth overall in last June's draft by the Bulls.

Bulls spokesman Tim Hallam said general manager John Paxson "did express to Joakim his disappointment in his actions this weekend" and added: "Until we gather further information on this situation, we won't be making any further comment."