Drug Treatment Ordered for Braves’ Claudell Washington

Atlanta Braves right fielder Claudell Washington was ordered by a Contra Costa County judge to submit to a drug diversion program, rather than go on trial on charges of marijuana possession. The terms of his duty were not revealed.

According to the district attorney’s office, the county probation department told Municipal Judge Joseph Longacre that Washington, who has a previous problem with drugs, was suitable for the program, which includes classes on the dangers of drug use.

Washington was arrested Feb. 19 in Walnut Creek, Calif., a few miles from his home in Orinda. He was charged with one misdemeanor count of marijuana possession. If convicted, Washington faced a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $1,000 fine.