Marijuana is used for many things. Recently, it was used to deliberately start a fire. Allegedly.
Former Chargers and Seahawks linebacker Kevin Ellison, who now plays for the AFL’s Spokane Shock, faces arson charges after allegedly setting fire to his bed with a marijuana blunt.
According to the Spokane Spokesman-Review, Ellison admitted to police that “‘God’ had told him to set fire to the bed.” Ellison initially said the fire started accidentally, but he apparently changed his story once he was told that the evidence didn’t match his explanation.
Shock G.M. Ryan Rigmaiden reportedly told authorities that Ellison had provided Rigmaiden with the same admission. Ellison was arrested at a local hospital, after receiving treatment for smoke inhalation.
Teammate Chris Tucker, Ellison’s roommate, was awakened by smoke detectors. Tucker knocked on Ellison’s door, and Ellison said, “I’m good.” Tucker fled, and Ellison eventually jumped out a third-floor window.
Ellison faces federal charges, given that the fire happened in an apartment complex. Damage is estimated at $50,000.
A sixth-round pick of the Chargers in 2009, Ellison was arrested in May 2010 after police found 100 Vicodin tablets in Ellison’s car. Cut by San Diego, the Seahawks later signed Ellison, who played for coach Pete Carroll at USC. Ellison was cut before the start of the 2010 regular season.
Ellison remains jailed without bail. An initial hearing has been set for June 19.