Notre Dame tight end Mike Ragone was arrested over the weekend, Notre Dame director of football media relations Brian Hardin confirmed Monday.
Ragone, who was traveling with a female friend, was pulled over for exceeding the speed limit traveling east on the Indiana Toll Road at 10:08 a.m. Saturday, according to Indiana State Police spokesman Sgt. Ron Galaviz.
State trooper Tony Lomonaco smelled marijuana and found two small bags of marijuana in the woman's purse, Galaviz said.
Because the amount found was less than 30 grams, Ragone, 22, and the woman were charged with misdemeanor possession, according to Galaviz.
"Coach (Brian) Kelly is aware of the situation and feels it is a serious matter," Hardin said. "He has spoken with Mike, but any team-related action that may be forthcoming would be handled internally."
The Notre Dame student handbook says, "Possession, use or misuse of any controlled substance, including, but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines and depressants, is a serious violation of University policy. Students who possess, use or misuse such substances shall be subject to disciplinary suspension or permanent dismissal."
Former Notre Dame men's basketball player Kyle McAlarney was suspended during the 2007-08 season as a result of a marijuana arrest by the Indiana State Police after a traffic stop on Dec. 29, 2007. McAlarney, who was the only person in the car when he was arrested, rejoined the team for the 2008-09 season.
Ragone, a junior, played in all 12 games last season and started six games. He caught six passes for 60 yards.
Ragone sat out his sophomore season after tearing his ACL in his left knee at practice before 2008 season.
It was the second ACL tear the tight end had suffered in three years. Ragone tore his ACL in his right knee wrestling as a senior at Camden Catholic in Camden, N.J.
Ragone played in 11 of 12 games as a freshman, making one catch for seven yards. He also had six tackles on special teams.
If Ragone misses playing time this season, Notre Dame will turn to Bobby Burger, former Bishop Dwenger standout Tyler Eifert and Jake Golic to backup starter Kyle Rudolph.
Rudolph had 33 catches for 364 yards with three touchdowns last season and is returning from offseason shoulder surgery.
Eifert played in one game as a freshman before sitting out the rest of the season because of a bulging disc in his back. He had surgery in January and was able to fully participate in spring practice.
Burger, who was primarily a fullback last season, had two catches for 10 yards, and Golic did not play as a freshman.
tkrausz@jg.net
