"Dumb."

That's the word that best describes Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes in having in his possession marijuana-filled cigars.

Holmes was charged with marijuana possession after a traffic stop Thursday in which Pittsburgh police smelled burning marijuana — and found the custom cigars — in his car.

Holmes faces a hearing before a Pittsburgh district judge Nov. 24; he was benched by Coach Mike Tomlin for Sunday's game against the New York Giants, a game the Steelers ended up losing by a 21-14 score.

What the future holds for Holmes remains to be seen, but his sports stature should in no way temper the way justice is meted out. He should be given no special treatment — special treatment that would not be available to the average person facing a similar predicament.

Such treatment would not enhance the image of professional football and the law-abiding players who make it what it is.

No matter what Tomlin says, Holmes' absence diminished the Steelers' offensive attack, even if that absence cannot be blamed directly for the Steelers' loss.

Because of the loss of Holmes, Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a less-potent offensive arsenal with which to battle football's World Champions. The game statistics show Holmes' replacement did not measure up to the kind of performance that was needed in a game against such a quality opponent.

At least Holmes' presence might have forced the Giants to do some things differently, and maybe some important things wrong.

Holmes' dumb move made the Giants' task easier.

But Holmes' marijuana connection and arrest, and their ties to the Steelers' game fortunes, aren't the only basis for pause. Even more unsettling is the troubling example Holmes put forth to the young fans who idolize him and who want to develop the kind of skills that he has exhibited since being selected in the first round of the 2006 draft.

It's troubling to think that some people young and not so young might conclude that Holmes' playing performance and his ability to excel might in some way be enhanced by his use of an illegal substance.

That is a message the National Football League should not want to deliver by official statement or implication.

The league should act as sternly against Holmes as against any other player caught up in the same circumstances.

Holmes, who apparently will play against the Washington Redskins on Monday, issued a statement of apology two days ago that, while welcome, doesn't relax the seriousness of what faces him.

"I recognize that I made a mistake and understand the significance of my actions, and will not make any excuse for my behavior," Holmes said. "I look forward to putting this behind me and being accepted by my teammates and the fans as part of this team."

But the fact remains: Holmes damaged his reputation as a Steeler and deserves stepped-up scrutiny to ensure that he gets into no more trouble.

The Steelers need Holmes, but not enough to cause damage to the team, league and fan support that makes Pittsburgh a special football venue.

There should be no opportunity for a repeat of the word "dumb."