Charger Linebacker Green Pleads Not Guilty

Charger linebacker Mike Green pleaded not guilty to possession of cocaine in Municipal Court Wednesday and asked for drug diversion instead of a trial.

Judge Joe O. Littlejohn set Green’s next hearing for Aug. 7, at which time the court will grant or deny the diversion, a probation-supervised, out-patient program. In asking for diversion, Green waives his right to a speedy hearing. If he is found eligible, he will spend about a year in the educational program. Upon successful completion of the program, the criminal charges will be dropped.

“The court has taken action that will allow him to have the arrest erased from his record,” said Alex Spanos, Charger owner. “He is not considered guilty in the eyes of the court, and I believe that is how we have to approach his status.”

The Chargers said Green would meet with Spanos today and report with the veterans to the UC San Diego training camp Saturday.

After his arraignment Wednesday, Green said, “I’m looking forward to playing football and getting on with my life.”

Even before Spanos made his remarks late Wednesday, Green’s attorney, Sebastian D’Amico, had expressed appreciation for the Chargers’ stance.

“There has been no notice of suspension,” D’Amico said. “The Chargers have taken the position of wait-and-see. That position is respected and appreciated very much.”

Spanos had said he would make no decision concerning Green’s future until the case has been heard in the courts.

Green, 24, was arrested July 19 after leaving an apartment building in Ocean Beach. Police had been surveying the apartment and had observed a series of transactions taking place outside. Detectives found about a gram of cocaine in Green’s car.

Deputy District Attorney William Holman, the prosecutor in Green’s case, said he expects Green to be found eligible for the drug diversion program, “if they find the quantity of drugs was for his own use, not for sale, and there is no prior record.”

Green had less than one gram of cocaine in his possession and he does not have a criminal record.

Holman said the diversion program “helps the defendant see the error of his ways and allows the court to monitor his activity.” He added, “If he keeps his nose clean, the court will dismiss the issue.”

D’Amico said that Green will “pay his debt to society” and as far as he is concerned, Green should not be penalized by losing his job with the Chargers. He said because Green will not be convicted on criminal charges, “the decision of whether to fire him is rendered moot.”

He said he thinks drug education “will definitely be of assistance” to Green. And he added, “After spending a very intensive week with Mr. Green, I can say he’s really a fine individual. If there was any indiscretion, it was temporary and not severe.”

Spanos made it clear a repeat offense will be dealt with more harshly from the Chargers’ standpoint.

Times staff writer Chris Cobbs also contributed to this story.