Sacremento Bee
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - The 20-year-old former high school basketball star told the judge he smoked pot because it made him a better player. So the 42-year-old jurist challenged him to a game of one-on-one on a different court.
“I thought maybe he was kidding,” said defendant Alvaro Alvarez, who accepted the challenge after he was charged with marijuana possession.
Superior Court Judge Marc Kelly sentenced Alvarez to attend drug abuse classes for the misdemeanor, then told him to return to court ready for a game.
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Although both players stood about 5-10 and appeared physically fit, it was no contest.
In a game to see who could score the first 10 baskets, the judge slam-dunked the former high school star 10-3.
“Defensive player of the year, Alvarez? Come on,” Kelly trash-talked at one point, then drove for two consecutive lay-ups. “The marijuana’s getting to you, Alvarez. You’re exhausted, aren’t you?”
After the game, the two embraced.
“You surprise me,” a winded Alvarez told the judge. “You are quicker than most of the guys I play with.”
Perhaps that’s because Kelly had played some ball himself, on a Notre Dame team that included future NBA players Orlando Woolridge and Bill Laimbeer.
“Lay off the marijuana,” he admonished Alvarez.
“I might have to, because it’s getting me tired,” Alvarez replied.