WSU star Thompson to miss game after pot bust

PULLMAN – Klay Thompson, the leading scorer for Washington State University’s basketball team, was cited late Thursday by Pullman police for marijuana possession.

Thompson, 21, was pulled over about 11 p.m. on Harvey Road for a nonworking headlight on his SUV, according to Cmdr. Chris Tennant.

In the process of citing Thompson for the headlight, the officer reported smelling the odor of marijuana, although Thompson, who was alone, denied having the drug.

The car was impounded, a search warrant obtained, and 1.95 grams of marijuana was found in the car, which was released to Thompson Friday morning.

The incident occurred less than two hours after Thompson, a junior from Ladera Ranch, Calif., scored 22 points to help the Cougars defeat USC, 85-77.

Coach Ken Bone released a statement Friday saying Thompson has been suspended for this afternoon’s home game with UCLA. “We are aware of the situation involving Klay and will continue to gather information,” Bone said in the statement.

The Cougars open Pac-10 tournament play next Thursday in Los Angeles. Their opponent has yet to be determined.

Thompson’s father, Mychal Thompson, is a former first pick in the 1978 NBA draft and was a longtime player. The elder Thompson is a Los Angeles radio personality and does color commentary for L.A. Lakers games.

In January, WSU point guard Reggie Moore was cited for the same misdemeanor charge, along with a separate charge of use of drug paraphernalia, following a December search of his Scott Hall dorm room.

Moore, who has contested the charges, was suspended for one game.

Possession of marijuana, less than 40 grams, carries a mandatory minimum sentence of one day in jail and a fine that usually ranges between $250 and $500.