Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
A standout on the football field is facing drug charges after his arrest last month. Tavantee Beckett has been suspended from the Virginia Tech football team and his name has been removed from the university’s website.
The incident in question took place Aug. 23. He has been charged with conspiracy to sell and distribute marijuana in an amount more than a half ounce but less than 5 pounds, a Class 5 felony in Virginia with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. He was released on a $2,500 unsecured bond, according to court records. He also faces an additional charge of possession of marijuana.
Coming out of high school, he was a highly touted linebacker from Chesapeake that was rated as one of the top players in the Commonwealth.
In a statement released by the university on Monday, Beckett was listed as being suspended indefinitely with no reason for the penalty.
The 5-11, 211 pound sophomore was second on the depth chart at the Mike linebacker position and had played in both of Virginia Tech’s games this season.
He was named to the 2015 American Family Insurance ALL-USA State Football Team and was a Virginia all-state selection.
Beckett is scheduled for arraignment in Montgomery County General District Court Friday, Sept. 22.