Arizona Cardinals star wide receiver David Boston, who missed the second half of this past season following knee surgery, could face league-imposed disciplinary action after pleading "no contest" Wednesday to DUI charges.

The charges stemmed from a March 2002 incident in which a motorist noticed Boston driving erratically, phoned police, and then followed the wide receiver home and waited until law enforcement personnel arrived. According to police, Boston tested positive for marijuana and cocaine. A possession charge was subsequently dropped.

Boston was sentenced Wednesday to 10 days in jail, all but one of which will be suspended when he completes a drug screening. But the NFL's substance-abuse policy permits commissioner Paul Tagliabue to impose sanctions and it will not help Boston's cause that he pleaded "no contest" to the charges.

Tagliabue could fine or suspend Boston, the team's first-round selection in the '99 draft when he was the eighth overall choice, and a Pro Bowl performer in 2001.

Boston, 24, is eligible for unrestricted free agency this spring, but the Cardinals likely will designate him a "franchise" player to retain his rights. Some franchise officials are wary, however, of Boston's off-field immaturity, lack of judgment and erratic behavior.

The former Ohio State star posted 98 receptions for a league-best 1,598 yards and eight touchdowns in 2001. But he slumped in '02, caught just 32 passes for 512 yards and one score, and then was forced onto injured reserve by a knee injury.

The tendon injury required surgery and Boston is still rehabilitating. He has said he would like to return to the Cardinals.

Boston issued a statement following his Wednesday court appearance in which he said that the incident "closed the door on my past immature and irresponsible behavior."

For his career, Boston has 241 catches for 3,739 yards and 18 touchdowns. Boston has appeared in 56 games and started 48 of them.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.