Matt Every playing in the Deere following marijuana arrest

PGA Tour rookie Matt Every began his round at the John Deere Classic as scheduled on Thursday, despite his arrest in Bettendorf, Iowa, two days earlier for possession of marijuana.

Every, 26, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor, according to this story in the Quad City Times.

He was arrested at the Isle Casino Hotel after authorities were informed of a strong marijuana smell outside a hotel room there. He was arrested and book at Scott County Jail and was released Tuesday evening.

Every was first team all-America three times at at Florida and in 2006 was the Ben Hogan Award winner, presented to the college player of the year. He has had one top 10 finish in 13 starts on the PGA Tour this year.

Every was one-under par through seven holes at the John Deere on Thursday, tying him for 71st.

The PGA Tour, incidentally, does test for marijuana as part of its drug-testing program, though it does not reveal names of players who fail the test. Here's what the PGA Tour's rules stipulate under sanctions, with regard to marijuana: "...For drugs of abuse (marijuana, certain narcotics, cocaine), the Commissioner will have the discretion to require treatment and rehabilitation in lieu of or in addition to other sanctions."

-- John Strege