By Jordan Heller and Shayna Jacobs
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Chris Simms, the son of former New York Giants legend Phil Simms, pleaded not guilty to driving while stoned during a pre-trial hearing Thursday, despite police testimony saying the former NFL quarterback star reeked of pot.
Officer Francisco Acosta, who took the witness stand Thursday, was questioned on the legality of the search and seizure of Simms' vehicle.
The officer testified that Simms had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and emitted a strong marijuana odor when he was pulled over in July at a police checkpoint on West Houston Street after he was seen driving erratically.
"I had a headache, even my tongue got numb," said Acosta, who said he's gotten headaches in the past when coming in contact with the smell of marijuana.
"I guess my body is allergic to that type of smell," he added.
Acosta, the arresting officer, testified that Simms "was moving very slowly — how can I say? — like a zombie."
When he pulled Simms over, the former Tennessee Titans quarterback delclared, "I smoked everything before," Acosta said.
"I asked him the amount of marijuana," the officer added. "He said he only had four puffs."
Simms' pregnant wife was also in the car at the time of the incident.
Simms pleaded not guilty to one charge of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs.
If convicted, he could face up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
Simms, who was cut by the Tennessee Titans last month, is scheduled to reappear in court on Nov. 19.
