SWX Right Now-Sports News for Washington and IdahoLeaf arrested, posts bail in Whatcom County

Leaf arrested, posts bail in Whatcom County

Former Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf posted a $45,000 bond in Whatcom County Wednesday after being taken into custody by border agents at the Blaine crossing earlier in the day.

Customs officers arrested Leaf around 9 a.m. as he attempted to reenter the United States from Canada. They took him into custody after checking his name against a national database of outstanding warrants.  Officers said Leaf was cooperative throughout the process, which they said was a standard procedure.  They would not say what - if anything - Leaf mentioned about his pending criminal case in Texas, or what he was doing crossing into the United States. 

According to the Associated Press in Texas, Leaf's attorney said Leaf was returning to the States to turn himself in. 

Leaf was given until Thursday to turn surrender to Texas authorities on drug and burglary charges.  Randall County District Attorney James Farren believed Leaf had been living in British Columbia while undergoing treatment for drug addiction.

Farren accused Leaf of delaying.  Leaf's lawyers disputed the allegation and added he is not a fugitive from justice.  Bill Kelly, one of Leaf's attorneys said last week Leaf would return to Texas to face the allegations sometime this week.

Prosecutor Lacy Miller said a warrant was issued May 20 when Leaf was indicted. Miller says Leaf had been working in British Columbia.

The ex-Washington State University and San Diego Chargers quarterback is charged with burglary to a habitation. Leaf also was indicted on seven counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and one count of delivery of a simulated controlled substance.  Prosecutors said he broke into a one of his former player's apartment and stole his Hydrocondone medication.  The player had been prescribed the painkiller because of an injury.

Leaf used to coach quarterbacks at West Texas A&M before he resigned last November. He also worked as the school's golf coach.