Kirk Johnson UA sophomore linebacker

A UA football player is facing drug charges after being stopped Saturday on suspicion of having a fake license plate, authorities said.

Kirk Johnson, a communication sophomore, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence of drugs, said Frank Valenzuela, Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer.

Johnson was first pulled over in Casa Grande when a DPS officer noticed he had a fictitious license plate that read "The Boss" on the rear of his car.

During the stop, the officer noticed a small, visible bag of marijuana in Johnson's car. Valenzuela did not know the exact weight of the marijuana, but said it was a "personal amount." Police also found rolling papers in the vehicle.

"(The officer's) shift focused to the possibility that the driver might be impaired," Valenzuela said.

Johnson was arrested on misdemeanor charges and transported to the highway patrol station in Casa Grande. He submitted to blood and field sobriety tests and was later cited and released on his own recognizance, Valenzuela said.

Johnson's car was towed.

Valenzuela said Johnson now must wait for the officer to file a long, formal complaint to the Pinal County attorney regarding the incident. Soon after, he will receive a subpoena by mail calling for his appearance in Pinal County court.

The linebacker from Oakland, Calif., who started one game for the Wildcats last season, was at practice yesterday, but the coaching staff would not comment on the incident.

Johnson's arrest occurred four months after another Wildcat football player, Justin Levasseur, was arrested in Illinois on charges of possessing 87 pounds of marijuana.