Report: Kellen Winslow Jr. charged with possession of synthetic marijuana in N.J.

Kellen Winslow Jr. was found in possession of a synthetic form of marijuana by the East Hanover Police two months ago, according to the Daily Record (N.J.).

The Jets tight end, who is set to be a free agent, was allegedly found with the designer drug Fubinaca on Route 10 on Nov. 19. But a criminal complaint charging him with possession of the drug was not signed until Dec. 30, according to the report.

Winslow is reportedly charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, a third-degree offense punishable upon conviction by up to five years in prison.

Winslow, 30, was in Morristown Superior Court Wednesday, along with his Colorado-based attorney David Blair, for a central judicial processing hearing, where they were informed of the charges before a judge and given evidence against them.

On Oct. 11, Winslow was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. His first game back was the Jets’ Week 11 loss to the Bills – just two days before he allegedly was found in possession of synthetic marijuana.

Upon his return from suspension, Winslow said blamed allergy medication may be to blame for his failed drug test. “That's the only thing I changed what I was taking, so that's what it had to be,” said the tight end, who was the Jets’ leading receiver before the four-game ban. “…I’m not trying to go out and take illegal stuff. That's just not what I do."

Winslow, who lost $197,647 in salary, said he chose not to appeal so he could serve his suspension in the first half of the season rather than during a potential playoff push.

A Jets spokesman issued the following statement on behalf of the team: “We are aware of the situation. This is a pending legal matter and we will have no comment.”

Winslow, who periodically voiced his frustrations over his lack of playing time, finished the season with 31 catches for 388 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 13 games (3 starts).