DPS Trooper In Trouble Over Snoop Dogg Photo
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AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM/AP) - A Texas DPS trooper is in trouble for a picture posted on social media.
Billy Spears says he's been ordered to get counseling, for allowing rapper Snoop Dogg to take a picture with him during the "South by Southwest" Music Festival last week.
Spears was in uniform but off duty working security.
Snoop Dogg posted the picture to his Instagram account for his 4.4 million followers to see on March 20, with the caption "me and my deputy dog."
Spears attorney says DPS had a problem with Snoop's "well-known criminal background," but says Spears didn't know about the rapper's criminal record. The citation isn't a formal disciplinary action, so Spears can't appeal.
On the same day, he also posted a picture with an Austin police officer, with the caption, "protect and serve."
An Austin Police Department spokeswoman said officers may not associate with known criminals, but the photo didn't constitute "inappropriate association."
Snoop Dogg was the keynote speaker for this year's SXSW.
