Hold the Mayo (legally): New evidence may change ... I forgot, what were we talking about?

The Associated Press

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A suspended Grand Rapids Press sports columnist accused of growing marijuana at his home has turned down a plea agreement.

David Mayo tearfully issued a statement Tuesday outside Kent County Circuit Court, saying new information has come to light in his case and he has opted for a trial.

He declined to provide details.

Mayo was suspended from his job after being charged in February with a felony drug-possession count that carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years.

Police say a January raid on his home netted 71 marijuana plants and 32 ounces of pot in canning jars.

Prosecutors offered to let him plead guilty to a reduced felony drug charge that carries up to four years in prison. A misdemeanor drug charge would have been dropped.