With the Super Bowl approaching, many of us are getting things together to host a viewing party to watch the game. But, for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, Jerome Simpson, he may be wishing he would have made a better choice than having a suspected drug shipment sent to his home. He is now facing a drug charge for trafficking marijuana in excess of eight ounces. This is a felony charge and he could face one to five years in prison.

Investigators tracked the shipment September 19, 2011, on a tip from a narcotics unit that a suspicious package, originating from Eureka, California, could be a possible drug shipment. This information was passed onto Kentucky authorities who tracked the delivery to Simpson's residence. Simpson maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

California law enforcement officials believed that the package contained 2.5 pounds of marijuana. Upon searching the defendant's residence, police found an additional six pounds of marijuana, scales and smoking devices.

Simpson, who was drafted into the National Football League in 2008, worked his way into the starting lineup this season after struggling his first three years in the league. He played all 16 games this season and is most remembered for his 19-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown that included a somersault flip over the defender, where he landed in the end zone on his feet.

Anyone facing similar charges should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss the charges and figure out an effective defense.

Simpson, 26, remains free after the judge ordered him to post a $2,500 bond. His next hearing for the case is scheduled for February 20.

As for the Super Bowl, Simpson's team didn't make it, but he will be participating in the Super Bowl NFL Honors award show as a nominee for the Bridgestone Play of the Year.

Source: Tucson Citizen.com, "Bengals WR pleads not guilty to drug charge," Jim Hannah, Jan. 30, 2012