NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 17: Patrick Chung #23 of the New England Patriots walks off the field before a game against the Tennessee Titans during week two of the preseason at Nissan Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Patriots defeated the Titans 22-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung was indicted on drug charges in Belknap County.
Patrick Chung is entering his 11th season in the NFL, but this one is beginning in the worst of ways. On Thursday, it’s being reported Chung has been indicted on a charge of possession of cocaine and is scheduled to be arraigned next Wednesday, according to court records.
The indictment states that Chung “did possess or have under his control a quantity of the controlled substance cocaine” on June 25 in Meredith, New Hampshire. He was not arrested at the time.
Chung signed a contract extension in April and has won three Super Bowl rings with the Patriots. His entire NFL career, save the 2013 season, has been spent in New England and he has racked up 727 tackles (483 solo), 4.5 sacks, 54 passes defended, one forced fumble and 11 interceptions for 171 yards and a touchdown.
From a league standpoint, it’s uncertain how this legal issue is going to impact his season. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell holds all the power in this regard, and could decide fine or suspend Chung based on the fact-finding process he implements. The league is well-known as being inconsistent in these punishments, so speculation on what the penalty could or would be is not worthwhile.
According to the report, Chung is a resident of Meredith, but also shows an address in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Additionally, cocaine possession is a Class B felony and carries a potential prison term of 3½ to seven years.
On a subject of much less import, it’s unclear whether Chung will play in Thursday night’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.