PATS STAR LAW NABBED WITH ECSTASY

During a routine inspection of his baggage, custom inspectors
discovered three whole pills and four partially crushed pills that
tested positive for MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy,'' Janet
Rapaport, a U.S. Customs spokeswoman, said last night from New York.

Law, 26, and fellow Patriots players Troy Brown and Terry Glenn were
excused from flying home Sunday night on the team chartered plane
because they were concerned about traveling in blizzard-like
conditions.

Team officials last night declined to comment on Law's drug possession.

``We are aware of the report and have nothing to add at this time,''
said Patriots spokesman Stacey James.

Customs officials said Law and and Tania Edwards were traveling alone
in his car. It was unclear whether wide receivers Brown and Glenn
joined the couple in Canada.

The three players were excused from the flight with the stipulation
that they return to Foxboro Stadium in time for the routine 1 p.m.
meeting yesterday. The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is a popular
tourist destination and night spot and has a casino.

The three Patriot players took a commercial flight leaving Buffalo at
12:15 p.m., which didn't arrive until 1:30 p.m. yesterday.

Edwards was also in possession of a single ``marijuana cigarette,''
Rapaport said.

After making the stop, U.S. Custom officials contacted the U.S.
Attorney's office in Buffalo. That office declined to prosecute
because the amounts of drugs found were so minor, authorities said.

``They declined prosecution due to the quantities involved,'' said Rapaport.

Ecstasy, which is scientifically known as
Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine, is a non-addictive party drug
growing in popularity that typically produces a relaxed, euphoric
state without hallucinations. Under federal law it is considered a
``Class A'' drug, which ranks it along with heroin and cocaine.

U.S. Customs officials seized the drugs, and Law was issued an
administrative penalty of $700.

``He paid on the spot,'' said Rapaport.

Edwards was issued a $500 fine, which she also promptly paid, Rapaport said.

Rapaport did not know if Law paid Edwards' fine.

Then, ``they went on their way,'' Rapaport said.

Law, who signed a seven-year, $50 million contract before the 1999
season, became a parent for the first time this off-season with the
birth of his daughter, Tya.

After several Pro-Bowl seasons, Law has been criticized this year for
his poor play.

The latest bad news for the Patriots comes during an especially
difficult season that has seen the team drop to last place in the AFC
East.

But the team's off field problems have kept pace with their dismal on
field performance.

Last season Glenn ran into trouble for reckless driving in Walpole
while tight end Ron Rutledge crashed his car while drag racing with
former Patriot Ben Coates.

Mike Felger contributed to this report.