Court Program for Marinovich

Todd Marinovich pleaded no contest to heroin possession Tuesday in a deal that will place the Avenger quarterback in a court-approved drug-treatment program.

Marinovich will miss his team’s preseason Arena Football League game in Nashville Friday, remaining in Los Angeles while county officials decide if he must enter a short-term residential program.

However, the 31-year-old is expected to be with the Avengers this season as long as he submits to regular testing, counseling and group meetings.

“I’m glad the court process is over,” Marinovich said. “I’m definitely ready to get started with the program and make it my number one priority.”

Police found Marinovich in possession of heroin on Dec. 13 after stopping him for driving a car without a license plate.

The former USC and Los Angeles Raider quarterback has been arrested on several occasions and pleaded guilty to cultivating marijuana in 1998, spending 90 days in jail.

In this instance, his case was sent to Los Angeles County drug court where, as part of Tuesday’s deal, charges of driving with a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia were dropped.

If Marinovich successfully completes treatment--expected to last a year or longer--the possession charge also will be dismissed. If not, he faces a maximum of three years in state prison.