Drug charge for Pats' Kaczur put on hold

7/23/2008

WHITESTOWN, N.Y. - New England Patriots offensive lineman Nick Kaczur pleaded guilty yesterday to speeding in a deal with prosecutors that will put a misdemeanor drug possession charge on hold.

The 28-year-old Kaczur was ordered to pay $355 in fines and fees by Whitestown Town Justice Stanley Wolanin, who said the drug possession charge will be dismissed if he stays out of trouble for the next six months.

The plea deal also requires the former University of Toledo standout to comply with any type of treatment, monitoring or employee assistance program imposed by the Patriots.

Kaczur was originally charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.

He was also charged with going 76 mph in a 65 mph zone.

According to police reports, Kaczur had 202 OxyContin pills labeled as made in Canada when he was pulled over April 27 by state troopers near Utica.

BROWNS/SIGNINGS: Cleveland has signed all five of its 2008 draft picks to four-year contracts.

The Browns had no picks in the first three rounds of the April draft. They had to wait until the fourth round to select UNLV linebacker Beau Bell and Missouri tight end Martin Rucker with picks acquired in trades with Dallas.

Also signed are sixth and seventh-round picks. Ahtyba Rubin was an Iowa State defensive lineman, and Paul Hubbard was a receiver at Wisconsin. Alex Hall is a defensive end from Division II St. Augustine in North Carolina.

Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

BEARS/URLACHER: Chicago and linebacker Brian Urlacher agreed to a contract extension through the 2012 season. The extension is worth $18 million, including a $6 million signing bonus.

RAMS/PACE: Seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Pace is close to returning from a shoulder injury, but will begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list.