Braves’ Washington Faces Possibility of Suspension

Atlanta Brave right fielder Claudell Washington, facing a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession in California, could be suspended from baseball for a year if found guilty.

Contra Costa County District Attorney Gary Yancey said his office is charging Washington with possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. Walnut Creek Police arrested the outfielder Feb. 18 after they pulled over his car and reportedly found cocaine and marijuana inside.

There was not sufficient evidence for a felony prosecution on the .2 gram of cocaine, Yancey said, noting the cocaine was found in the car’s closed console.

But the .05 gram of marijuana was in a plastic bag, “in plain view, next to the driver’s seat,” he said.

Under the rules governing major league baseball, Commissioner Peter Ueberroth could suspend Washington without pay for a year if he is found guilty of possessing illegal drugs.

Livingstone Bramble’s fate will be decided in Panama March 28 by the World Boxing Assn. executive board. Bramble could lose his lightweight title for failing a post-fight urinalysis test after his victory over Ray (Boom Boom) Mancini Feb. 16.

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