Some people would do just about anything for a photo with Snoop Dogg, but it’s landed a Texas state trooper in hot water.
Texas Department of Public Safety trooper Billy Spears was disciplined by superiors last week after he was photographed with the rap icon during South by Southwest in Austin.
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Snoop apparently asked Spears for a photo and then posted it to Instagram with the caption, “Me n my deputy dogg.”
Since Snoop has a criminal background, having been convicted several times of drug possession, this photo did not sit well with the state’s DPS officials. As The Dallas Morning News reports, superiors saw the posting and cited Spears for “deficiencies indicating need for counseling.”
According to a lawyer now representing Spears, his client did not know Snoop had these prior convictions.
The action against Spears was not formal a disciplinary action, so it did not permit the trooper to appeal but it does become part of his personnel record.
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The reprimand in the Gilmer, Texas-based Spears’ official record reads: “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, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Spears’ lawyer believes the action against his client is retaliatory for something else and has written a letter asking the department’s director to intervene and remove the reprimand.
“This is not in their policy. They’re making this stuff up as they go,” he said.
Snoop’s photo with Spears was taken following his SXSW keynote speech. Snoop also took a photo with an Austin Police officer right afterwards.