Local products Jamal Atofau and Andre Barrington were arrested early Sunday morning after Pullman police officers served a search warrant and found 38 marijuana plants in the basement of their rental home. The plants were part of an apparent grow operation in the house, leading to felony drug charges for all four living on the premises.
The Spokesman-Reviews Vince Grippi had the report from Pullman.
Police came to the home at 1745 NE Lower Drive, just north of Beasley Coliseum to serve an unrelated search warrant, according to police spokesman Cmdr. Chris Tennant.
While conducting that search, Tennant said, they discovered the marijuana plants growing in a basement room. They obtained a drug-related warrant, searched the room, found plants, manufacturing equipment and paraphernalia. The four residents, including the two football players, were arrested.
Barrington came to WSU from Federal Way High School, redshirting last year before being deemed academically ineligible prior to this season. He showed promise in practice but couldn't keep his books in order. The hope was that he'd focus on academics and rejoin the team following the season.
Atofau, out of Bellevue High, has been a contributor all season after redshirting in 2009. During the fall camp, he moved from safety to linebacker and has seen plenty of time in a backup role this season. He's also played a big role on special teams, forcing a critical fumble on a punt return against the SMU Mustangs.
Atofau was suspended indefinitely while head coach Paul Wulff gathers information. Barrington was already away from the team and was, therefor, not suspended.