University of Arkansas senior defensive tackle Ernest Mitchell paid a $ 150 fine to the St. Francis County District Court Thursday in Forrest City after a misdemeanor charge of possession of an instrument of crime.

Mitchell had been pulled over by the Arkansas State Police on June 30 in Forrest City on a citation alleging his license plate was improperly displayed.

The police, according earlier this week to Bill Sadler, the public information officer for the Arkansas State Police, reported discovering a small amount of what was believed to be marijuana and a small caliber handgun in the vehicle Mitchell was driving.

Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino made no statement through the UA Sports Information department

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regarding Mitchell Thursday. Petrino said last Tuesday he would let the judi- cial system take its course regarding Mitchell’s status before the Razorbacks report Sunday and begin preseason drills Monday.

A returning starting tackle, Mitchell is listed firstteam going into preseason drills but missed all of spring practice rehabbing from major knee surgery.

During the summer offseason, Mitchell has been able to run at times without ill effects but other times “ his knee has swelled, ” Petrino said last Tuesday.

Presumably, Mitchell will practice with the team Monday as will wide receiver Marques Wade and linebacker Freddy Burton.

Wade and Burton will participate in all practices but after both were charged with driving while intoxicated earlier this summer, both will be suspended, Petrino announced, from playing in the Razorbacks ’ first two games, Aug. 30 against Western Illinois in Fayetteville and Louisiana-Monroe, Sept. 6 in Little Rock.

Wade finished spring drills listed as a first-team wide receiver while Burton closed spring drills as a second-team outside linebacker. Last season Burton led all Razorback tacklers on special teams.