Vikings' Smith likely to face Bears despite marijuana citation

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings starting safety Dwight Smith is expected to play Monday night against the Bears despite a misdemeanor citation this week for marijuana possession.

Coach Brad Childress said Saturday that he anticipates Smith playing. Childress deferred comment and announcement of discipline until the case is resolved.

"I am going to get all the facts before I pass any judgment on it," Childress said.

The incident occurred Thursday night, and Smith practiced as usual Friday and Saturday. Childress said he addressed the matter with the team Friday.

According to the Minneapolis police report, Smith's vehicle was stopped for impeding traffic at a downtown intersection. An officer "smelled the strong odor" of the drug as he approached the car, and Smith -- according to the report -- said he had "just got done smoking some marijuana."

The charge is punishable by a $125 fine for a first offense.

"Ain't nothing," defensive tackle Pat Williams said. "It's just people trying to get in our locker room. We ain't worried about that. We're just all focused on the Chicago Bears."

Smith was absent from the locker room on Saturday while it was open to reporters. He is a member of Childress's eight-player veteran leadership committee, as is Williams and cornerback Antoine Winfield.

"It's not a big deal at all. You know things happen. Unfortunately, that did. We still don't know all the facts," Winfield said, adding: "Of course you don't want to be the guy that's getting in trouble or called out, but until everything comes out we're just moving on."