Tre Mason receives continuance from court
By Mark Inabinett
[
www.al.com]
It could be a while before Los Angeles Rams running back Tre Mason's case is resolved in court. On Wednesday, Mason's attorney requested a continuance in the former Auburn standout's case.
Now the calendar call for Mason's trial has been pushed back to July 28, according to the Broward County (Florida) Clerk of Courts web site.
A calendar call is when the parties (or their lawyers) involved in a case tell the court if they are ready to proceed to trial. If they are, the court sets a date.
Mason was arrested on March 5 after a traffic stop in Hollywood, Fla. According to the police report, Mason would not identify himself after being pulled over for going 75 mph in a 35-mph zone, and he would not get out his car when asked to do so. A Taser was used to remove Mason from his car, and he was tased again before being taken to a hospital.
Mason was charged with four misdemeanors -- resisting an officer/obstruction without violence, reckless driving, failure to register a motor vehicle and possession of marijuana in an amount less than 20 grams. Mason also was cited for failure to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle.
Attorney H.T. Smith Jr. of Miami requested a continuance from the County Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County, telling the court "the defense has not been able to complete its investigation and preparation for trial."
The previous calendar call for the case had been June 9. It has been pushed back seven weeks.
An arrest warrant had been issued for Mason when he was not present for his arraignment on April 11. Smith cleared up the matter three days later when he entered a not-guilty plea for Mason at a rescheduled arraignment. Smith told the court the notice of the arraignment had been mailed to an old address of Mason's, and the running back didn't have representation at that time.
Mason led the SEC in rushing for Auburn's 2013 conference championship team. In 2014, he earned a spot on the NFL All-Rookie team.
Last season, rookie Todd Gurley became the Rams' primary ball-carrier. After having 179 carries for 765 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games in 2014, Mason had 75 carries for 207 yards and one TD in 2015.
The Rams will hold their first Organized Team Activity workout of the offseason on Tuesday.