A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper is in hot soup after posing for a picture with rap legend Snoop Dogg, the Dallas Morning News reports.
According to the report, Billy Spears was reprimanded by his superiors for the photograph which was allegedly taken by Snoop’s publicist at Austin’s South by Southwest music festival. The photo was posted on the Snoop’s Instagram account with the caption, “Me n my deputy dogg.”
Attorney Ty Clevenger is representing Spears and said the Gilmer-based trooper was called to Austin two weeks ago to help work during the music festival. Spears was in uniform with the distinctive Stetson in a secured area when the rap star and actor stopped and asked if he could get a quick photo with the trooper.
Clevenger said Snoop Dogg’s publicist took the picture.
Snoop Dogg posted the picture on Instagram, along with the line, “Me n my deputy dogg”
DPS officials saw the posting and cited Spears for deficiencies that require counseling for posing with a known criminal.
Snoop Dogg (real name Calvin Broadus), has been convicted several times of drug possession. In 1993, he faced a murder charge when his bodyguard shot and killed a rival gang member. Snoop Dogg and the bodyguard eventually were acquitted of the charge.
Clevenger said that Spears had no knowledge of drug convictions. “Troopers get called down to work these events all the time and sometimes people want a picture with them,” Clevenger said.
Spears counseling reprimand noted: “While working a secondary employment job, Trooper Spears took a photo with a public figure who has a well-known criminal background including numerous drug charges. The public figure posted the photo on social media and it reflects poorly on the Agency.”
A lieutenant from Tyler drove 80 miles round trip to have him sign the document.
Clevenger has written a letter asking DPS director Steven McCraw to intervene and remove the reprimand.
“This is not in their policy. They’re making this stuff up as they go,” he said.
The counseling Spears received involved his saying no when people ask to have their pictures taken with him.
It was originally reported that Spears did not know Snoop Dogg, but later updated to reflect that he did recognize him, but did not know about his drug conviction history.
