Drug charge dropped against Villanova athlete

One of two drug charges against a Villanova University basketball player arrested in July has been dropped.

Reggie Redding, a senior guard who helped the school earn a Final Four berth last season, was in court yesterday for a preliminary hearing, and the charge of possession or distribution of small amounts of marijuana was dropped, court officials said. Redding still faces the charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Both charges are misdemeanors.

Redding was arrested after Villanova security, investigating an incident involving a car hitting a small pedestrian-crosswalk sign, discovered a bag containing "green leafy vegetable matter" and a grinder in a parked car belonging to Redding.

The team suspended him for the fall semester for violating school policy. He will be allowed to take classes and practice with the team, but cannot travel or play. - Mari A. Schaefer