Today, nationalfootballauthority.com reported that former Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett admitted to experimenting with drugs during his team interviews at the NFL combine. The article quoted Pro Football Weekly stating:
"One GM said Mallett was the first quarterback ever to admit his drug usage to him in interviews, and his willingness to be honest about his past and acknowledge issues is viewed as a positive.
Concerns about his history of use could impact his draft position, though. Although Mallett did not produce an official positive test at Arkansas, he has been arrested for public intoxication and carries a reputation as a "big party guy," per sources who have interviewed him.
How much teams believe he has matured will weigh into his draft status. "I would not take him at any point," one executive not in need of a quarterback said. He still figures to be drafted in the second round."
Ok... let's just hold on a second... was there any mention as to when Ryan did this "experimenting"? Was he 13 yrs old or was it last Tuesday? Has he made mistakes recently? Yes, we know that that in March of 2009 he pled guilty to public intoxication.
His former coach Bobby Petrino came to his aid stating Mallett never tested positive for drugs while playing for the Razorbacks.
"I don't know where all of [it] came from," Petrino said. "All I can judge is how he did for us. He did a great job for us. He was a guy you love having in your program, not only as a great player, but he represented our program great."
I am all about second chances... I have used a few in my life... I have learned from my mistakes. Mallett should not be hurt in the draft by these recent admissions.... his honesty and candor should be valued for what they are.
Off-the-field behavior factors in to teams decision far more than it used too... Too many teams have been embarassed by the illegalities of their players... and coaches to not have this be a factor. Players are investments. Would you buy a house if you knew that the 40 yr old builder had been convicted of assault when he was 18 yrs old?
I am not an NFL team owner and I can't say, with any clout, that it doesn't matter what Ryan did in his past. I think that I could look past his past and draft him where he should be drafted. I would keep my eyes open to his behavior after I drafted him though... just like I keep an eye on all of my investments... my house, my car, my retirement plan... I want to make sure that hey perform for the money I am spending.
Ryan's past should stay in his past, but if he doesn't learn from it.... well then, shame on him. He should know better! If he falters in his path he will not only embarrass his future team but himself.
Ryan Mallett would be a great investment for a team that needs a QB with a cannon of an arm!
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