Marinovich’s Record Cleansed : Raiders: Misdemeanor drug charges dismissed against quarterback. Judge describes ESPN report as ‘ugly rumors.’

Todd Marinovich’s most serious legal troubles ended Thursday in Orange County Harbor Municipal Court when misdemeanor drug charges against him were dropped by Judge Susanne S. Shaw.

Marinovich, 22, completed a court-ordered diversion program for first-time offenders by submitting to psychological counseling and drug tests for one year. Marinovich entered the program after being charged with misdemeanor counts of possession of cocaine and marijuana stemming from an arrest near his mother’s home in Newport Beach, Jan. 20, 1991.

Shaw’s decision comes a week after an ESPN report alleged Marinovich, a second-year Raider quarterback, tested positive by the NFL last December for an unspecified banned substance.

The judge summarily dismissed the report, saying: “There is absolutely no proof he has done anything except what he was asked to do. I don’t know who started the ugly rumors, but I’m glad he completed the terms of his program and I wish him the best.”

Before making their recommendation to the court, Orange County probation officials investigated the ESPN report, which also said Marinovich completed six weeks in a treatment center, was attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and was being tested five times a week by the league.

Thomas Goethals, Marinovich’s attorney, said he was satisfied the report was a rumor.

“As far as I know, the court knows, he hasn’t used anything in a year,” Goethals said. “He tested very recently. He never tested dirty for anything.”

Marinovich, who was not in court Thursday, could not be reached.

His father and sometime trainer, Marv Marinovich, said he was relieved the case was over but added that recent reports were disturbing.

“He (Todd) gets upset with rumors . . . with no evidence,” Marv Marinovich said. “It’s part of being a public guy . . . but it’s an upsetting deal.”

Marinovich said his son has been working with a variety of trainers, including Mike White, Raider quarterback coach, in preparation for the upcoming season.

“From what I hear, right now (the starting job) is his,” Marv Marinovich said.

Marinovich’s agent, Tom Condon of the International Management Group, said last week that the quarterback was training out of town when explaining his reported six-week absence.

But Marv Marinovich said Thursday that Todd never left the Southland except to visit a nutritionist in Del Mar, who helped the former USC quarterback cut body fat and increase lean weight. Marinovich did not spend more than a few hours being analyzed at the Del Mar office, said Bill Logue of Biosyn.

With Thursday’s clearance, Goethals said Marinovich has the opportunity to concentrate on fulfilling his potential as an NFL quarterback. He said he was confident Marinovich’s troubles are over.

“The court didn’t order him to test as much as he tested,” Goethals said. “He tested repeatedly outside the court (program).”

Chris Kralick, the third Orange County deputy district attorney to handle the case, said county officials would not have access to the NFL’s program, which has a built-in policy of confidentiality for first-time offenses.

Even if they did, Rod Speer, a spokesman for the county probation department, said, one or two positive tests would not necessarily affect a diversion program.

“It would be a judgment call on the part of the judge,” he said.

Marinovich has one more legal hurdle. He is scheduled to appear May 6 in Torrance Municipal Court for violating a misdemeanor noise ordinance during a party at his Manhattan Beach home last Halloween.