Football

Patrick Chung of Patriots Indicted for Cocaine Possession in New Hampshire

The Patriots said in a statement the team would not comment on the situation while Chung's judicial proceedings take place

What to Know

  • New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung has been indicted for allegedly possessing cocaine in New Hampshire on August 8.
  • The Patriots said in a statement the team would "not be commenting while (Chung's) judicial proceedings take place."
  • Chung is set to be arraigned in Belknap County Superior Court in Laconia next Wednesday.

New England Patriots veteran Patrick Chung has been indicted for possession of cocaine in New Hampshire, court documents have revealed. 

According to the documents, Chung, 32, was found to be in possession of cocaine "on or about" June 25 in Meredith. He was indicted in a Laconia court on Aug. 8. 

"We are aware of the reports regarding Patrick Chung," the Patriots said in a statement. "We will not be commenting while his judicial proceedings take place."

Brian McCarthy, a public relations officer for the National Football League, said in an email that the league "would monitor developments in the law enforcement matter."

The charges stem from an incident on June 25, when members of the Meredith Police Department were called to Chung's residence on a "call for service," according to Belknap County Attorney Andrew Livernois. During the call, Livernois said police obtained evidence that led to the charges being filed. Chung was not arrested at that time, but the information was referred to the county attorney's office, which made the decision to indict him.  

Chung, the Patriots' starting safety, is set to be arraigned in Belknap County Superior Court in Laconia next Wednesday. 

It was not clear whether Chung had an attorney who could speak for him. Efforts to reach his agent were not immediately unsuccessful.

Chung lives in Foxborough, Massachusetts, but town records show he also owns a lakeside home in Meredith, according to the Laconia Daily Sun.

According to the substance abuse policy negotiated by the league and player’s union, players convicted of breaking the law are subject to discipline as determined by the commissioner.

The Patriots are slated to play their third preseason game Thursday night at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Chung, who is recovering from a broken arm suffered in the Super Bowl, was not expected to play.

"It's an impact in a sense longterm.... he's such a vital player on the defense," NBC10 Boston sports anchor Raul Martinez said upon learning the news. "He was given an extension in the offseason, so he was expected to play a major role."

"I think it's a major loss when you think about football reasons, but this is a bigger thing when you think about it," he added. "Forget suspensions, this is a big deal when it comes to breaking the law."

Chung has played nine of his 10 NFL seasons for the Patriots and has won three Super Bowls. He was drafted by New England in 2009. After a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, Chung was signed as a free agent by the Patriots in 2014.

He started 14 games last season, racking up 82 total tackles and an interception, according to the Patriots website.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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