Depending on whom you believe, Jets running back Mike Goodson might not be in as much trouble as originally believed.
Anthony Fusco, the lawyer for Goodson, said yesterday Garant Evans, the driver of the vehicle both men were in when they were arrested last month, told New Jersey State Police the gun belonged to him, not Goodson, on the night of the arrest, according to the police report.
Goodson and Evans were both charged with possession of a firearm and hollow-point bullets, as well as possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, after police discovered the men inside a parked car in the middle of Route 80 in Denville, N.J.
According to Fusco, the report states Evans said the gun was his when he was questioned at the state police’s Netcong barracks a short time later.
Goodson’s future with the Jets could hinge on the gun charge. If it is dropped, he has a much better chance of sticking with the team, which he signed with in March.
A spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said the ownership of the gun has not been determined, and both men were charged the night of the arrest because it was unclear whose gun it was.
In a statement, Evans’ lawyer, Joseph Afflitto, said, “Any statements made by Mr. Evans at the time of his arrest will be the subject of future hearings.”
Goodson has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in Morristown, N.J., not far from Florham Park where the Jets will be holding their mandatory minicamp.