Jeremy Giambi cited for pot at McCarran

Keith Paul

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2001 | 9:50 a.m.

Oakland A's outfielder and part-time Vegas Valley resident Jeremy Giambi was given a citation Monday after a small quantity of marijuana was found in his luggage at McCarran International Airport.

Security officials checked Giambi's bag as part of routine inspections before the player was to board an airplane about 9:30 a.m. Monday. A baggie of suspected marijuana was found in Giambi's bag and Metro Police were called.

"A field test was done and it tested positive for marijuana," said Sgt. Christopher Darcy, a department spokesman. "It was a little over half an ounce."

Giambi, 27, was detained just long enough for the citation to be filled out and he was allowed to continue on to his flight, said Lt. Ted Moody, of Metro's airport unit.

"We didn't have him long. We impounded the marijuana, wrote the citation and sent him on his way," Moody said. "He got a ticket just like anyone else would."

The search of luggage was stepped up after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. McCarran Airport and the airlines have been instructed by the federal government.

Oakland A's officials, who were at Major League Baseball winter meetings in Boston, had not heard of the incident and refused comment. Giambi could not be reached for comment.

Giambi, who owns a home in Henderson, was issued a court date to appear on the misdemeanor drug possession charge in Justice Court. The date, likely in January, was not available this morning.

Giambi's brother, 2000 American League MVP Jason Giambi, is closing in on signing a seven-year contract with the New York Yankees worth a reported $120 million. The Giambi brothers have played together on the A's the past two seasons.