Patriots defensive back Andrews pleads to drug offense

5/9/2008 4:51 PM

LOWELL, Mass. (AP) -New England Patriots defensive back Willie Andrews entered a plea to a marijuana possession charge, but won't face any prison time.

The 24-year-old Andrews admitted in court Friday there was enough evidence to convict him at trial, but did not plead guilty.

Lowell District Court Judge Neil Walker continued the case without a finding for a year. During that time, Andrews must speak to student athletes about the dangers of narcotics, pay a $1,000 fine and complete an NFL substance abuse program.

Andrews was arrested in February after police pulled him over in Lowell. Prosecutors said he had $6,800 in cash on him, a half pound of marijuana and no means to smoke the marijuana.

Andrews' attorney, Sean Delaney, declined comment on the plea.

Patriots spokesman Stacey James had no comment.