That's the opinion of a couple of league scouts, who still see the North Carolina junior point guard as a possible first-round pick in the June 26 selection process.

The 20-year-old Lawson was charged with driving after consuming alcohol, plus violating a noise ordinance and driving with a suspended or revoked license, at about 2:30 a.m. Friday in Chapel Hill. North Carolina's state laws forbid anyone under 21 from driving after having consumed alcohol.

All of the charges reflect poorly on Lawson's image, but the NBA has a tendency to overlook behavioral flaws where draft candidates are concerned.

Former Duke guard J.J. Redick was arrested on driving while impaired charges only a few days before the June 2006 draft and still was taken No. 11 overall by the Orlando Magic.

In 1992, former Missouri guard Anthony Peeler was arrested on assault charges shortly before the draft and went No. 15 overall, to the Los Angeles Lakers. That was after Peeler had pleaded guilty to a felony weapons-possession charge.

The NBA, like virtually all professional leagues, is looking for talented performers, whether they project as ideal citizens or not.

In that regard, Lawson's professional standing hasn't changed a great deal. The arrest doesn't change the fact that he can be exceptionally fast on his feet, alert with the ball, an above-average perimeter shooter and a decent defender when he puts his mind and body to it.

What Friday's development could influence is Lawson's intent. It reduces the likelihood that he'll return to Carolina for another season if, for no other reason, than the near certainty that he's a mortal lock to serve a long, difficult sentence in Roy Williams' doghouse. Williams can come across as the folksiest, most easy-going guy this side of Happy Gilmore. But beneath that Coca-Cola and barbecue veneer for which Williams is so well known lies a heaping helping of fire sauce. He could run Secretariat into an early afternoon claiming race. That's the fate -- well, part of the fate -- Lawson knows he would be facing on campus.

But the smart money, from the start, was that Lawson never really wanted to return to Carolina. He talked the talk about retaining his eligibility, and was correct to keep his options open through the NBA tryout process, but it has been obvious that he wants to go if the "gone" opening is there for the taking.

In one game at the Orlando prospects camp last week, Lawson did nothing to harm his stock. He performed well enough to remain on the list of potential first-round picks. With most of the individual team workouts still ahead, there's a good chance his pro appeal will be enhanced.

Neither Lawson nor Williams would comment Friday on the player's situation. And thus far, it must be remembered that Lawson is guilty of nothing. He faces an accusation of wrongdoing, which may or may not be upheld in court. But the fact that the school and the player didn't care to comment or offer any sort of explanation is an indication of where Lawson's association with Carolina stands.

If it's not over, it certainly looks that way.

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