OSU’s RB prospect, Jaamal Berry, gets a deal

By KEN GORDON

A drug-possession charge against Ohio State freshman running back Jaamal Berry will be dropped if he completes a six-month diversion program.

That was decided Friday at a hearing in Miami-Dade County Court. Berry was arrested in his native Miami on June 11 and charged with felony possession of marijuana.

The charge later was reduced to a misdemeanor, which allowed Berry to suit up for the Buckeyes. Students charged with a felony cannot play sports while the charge is pending.

It was not immediately clear how Berry could complete the program while living in Ohio. He has been in Columbus since late June.

Last week, coach Jim Tressel said Berry would not be “held back” because of his off-field issues.