Draft-time marijuana concerns are much ado about nothing
Article By mflorio.tsn on 26th March, 2010
Mike Florio
Every year at this time, we're reminded that many college football players have smoked marijuana. Given that many college students smoke marijuana at some point or other during their four (or five ... or eight) years of "higher" education, it's not really a surprise.
Usually, the issue hits the NFL radar screen due to reports of positive marijuana samples generated by players tested at the Scouting Combine. Given that the players know they'll be tested, a positive result constitutes evidence of a problem -- or proof of extreme stupidity. But while those players require more scrutiny, the supposed rash of players who tested positive during college or who admitted to smoking marijuana in pre-draft interviews gets far more focus than it deserves.
Teams generally don't care if players smoke pot. Teams care if smoking pot affects player performance, or if it keeps them from playing due to a suspension. "There's a difference between a guy who smokes pot from time to time," said an agent who requested anonymity, "and Charles Rogers or Onterrio Smith."
Rogers, the second overall pick in the 2003 draft, and Smith, a first-round talent who slid to Round 4 due in part to multiple marijuana issues, couldn't put down the weed, even when their livelihoods depended on it. But for every player who smokes his way out of the league, there are hundreds who can stop cold turkey as soon as they enter the league's substance-abuse program and become subject to up to 10 unannounced tests per month. Indeed, most men prefer playing pro football to smoking pot, and most can quit when they absolutely must.
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Usually, the issue hits the NFL radar screen due to reports of positive marijuana samples generated by players tested at the Scouting Combine. Given that the players know they'll be tested, a positive result constitutes evidence of a problem -- or proof of extreme stupidity. But while those players require more scrutiny, the supposed rash of players who tested positive during college or who admitted to smoking marijuana in pre-draft interviews gets far more focus than it deserves.
Teams generally don't care if players smoke pot. Teams care if smoking pot affects player performance, or if it keeps them from playing due to a suspension. "There's a difference between a guy who smokes pot from time to time," said an agent who requested anonymity, "and Charles Rogers or Onterrio Smith."
Rogers, the second overall pick in the 2003 draft, and Smith, a first-round talent who slid to Round 4 due in part to multiple marijuana issues, couldn't put down the weed, even when their livelihoods depended on it. But for every player who smokes his way out of the league, there are hundreds who can stop cold turkey as soon as they enter the league's substance-abuse program and become subject to up to 10 unannounced tests per month. Indeed, most men prefer playing pro football to smoking pot, and most can quit when they absolutely must.
Related Links PFT: Tim Tebow's dad thinks he's a top 15 pick PFT: 'Joe Buck Live' could be kaput PFT: Rumor mill N...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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