Ex-NBA player arrested on drug charges in Arizona

Arizona authorities allege former NBA basketball player Samaki Walker tried to eat marijuana as a Department of Public Safety officer approached his 2002 Mercedes-Benz during a traffic stop Thursday in Kingman.

Officials said about 10 grams of marijuana was seized from the vehicle with some prescription drugs and eight bottles of liquid steroids.

Walker cooperated with officers at the Mohave County Jail, police said. Walker indicated he uses steroids to improve his athletic ability because he still plays professionally in Syria.

Walker indicated the steroids are legal in Syria, but possession is a misdemeanor in Arizona, police said.

The Woodland Hills, Calif., resident was a college superstar at the University of Louisville before he was drafted ninth in the first round of the 1996 NBA draft by Dallas. His 10-year NBA career ended in 2006 after stints with the Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Washington Wizards and Indiana Pacers.

Walker was booked on drug charges; bond was set at $2,000, and an Aug. 5 preliminary hearing was set.