USC basketball: Ari Stewart offered drug diversion program

USC basketball player Ari Stewart, who was arrested in February in Arizona on suspicion of possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia, will not be charged and has been offered the opportunity to participate in a drug diversion program, a spokesman for the Maricopa County district attorney’s office said Wednesday.

“This is standard for first-time nonviolent offenses involving possession of marijuana or paraphernalia,” spokesman Jerry Cobb said. “If he successfully completes the drug diversion program his case will be resolved.”

A letter informing Stewart of the offer was drafted and mailed last week, said Cobb, adding that the program consists of education, counseling and screening. Prosecution would ensue if the program is not completed.

Stewart, 21, was arrested by Arizona State University police in Tempe after an incident on Feb. 24. Stewart, a transfer from Wake Forest who redshirted last season, was not traveling with the Trojans, who played at Arizona on Feb. 23 and at Arizona State on Feb. 25.

USC Coach Kevin O’Neill has said that Stewart was disciplined internally and that he would face further discipline.

The 6-foot-7 Stewart is expected to compete for playing time on a USC team that is coming off a 6-26 season.

Stewart could not immediately be reached for comment.

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USC basketball: Ari Stewart offered drug diversion program