Colts release Jonathan Newsome after marijuana arrest

The waiving of outside linebacker Jonathan Newsome on Monday further depleted an already thin position for the Indianapolis Colts. The arrest placed Newsome under the stringent testing of the NFL’s drug abuse policy and opened the door for suspensions following future failed tests.

Also today, the Colts released veteran linebacker Andy Studebaker. ESPN also reports this incident comes a few years after Newsome was suspended for two games in his college days following a 2012 possession arrest.

Newsome used Twitter to thank the Colts organization following his release.

In a series of tweets, Newsome thanked Colts officials, acknowledged his mistakes, and pledged to “stay the course” as he moves on.

According to Zionsville police, Newsome was arrested early Wednesday morning.

But his production dropped last season, in which he played in 14 games with two starts and had only one sack. Police arrived at Newsome’s home after a caller complained about loud music and found marijuana. Newsome, the Colts’ fifth-round draft pick in 2014, tied for the team lead in sacks that season with 6.5. During the investigation, officers found marijuana on the premises.

Newsome was arrested last week and charged with two misdemeanor counts of possession of marijuana.