AP news---Former USC and Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Todd Marinovich, who has long battled drug problems, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from an arrest Sunday in Newport Beach.
Police said they saw Marinovich, 38, skateboarding and carrying a guitar case about 1:15 a.m. Sunday near the Newport Pier boardwalk. Skateboarding is not allowed on the boardwalk, and Marinovich fled to the carport of a nearby home.
Police found Marinovich, searched him and discovered a small amount of methamphetamine, a metal spoon and a hypodermic needle, said Newport Beach Police Sgt. Evan Sailor.
Todd Marinovich can still throw the pigskin – just ask the inmates of Orange County's Musick Branch Jail.
The 6-foot-5, onetime USC phenom was tossing the football around with fellow prisoners Friday morning, shortly before he sat down for an interview in the wake of his latest drug arrest.
Outfitted in an orange jumpsuit that matched his thinning hair, Marinovich spoke for 30 minutes about drug addiction and artwork, football and family. He marveled at how, even 15 years after his NFL career fizzled, his name still makes headlines.