Talib and Manningham Admit Marijuana Use; Draft Status Affected?

[DGreene28]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

Have smoked or DO smoke?

Have smoked.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by DGreene28

Have smoked.

Yeah that's my point. I don't mind if you've tried it once or twice, just about everybody in this world has. Or even if you smoked a lot when you were a freshman in college or whatever, that doesn't affect my draft decision either. All I want to know is whether you've given that shit up or not.

If you're testing positive, or admitting to it, I'm going to do crazy homework on you to ensure you're a hard worker and someone who will be dedicated enough to the team to give that crap up.

I just want to be comfortable that you're a good teammate who will put the team first. Knowing that the team needs you, and knowing that smoking is illegal and can get you banned from games, if you STILL decide to smoke pot while knowing all that? Yes, you certainly are a bad character guy.

[WillH]

Originally Posted by DGreene28

NFL teams believe that about 80-90 percent of players coming into the league have smoked marijuana.

And I'd say a large percentage of people in general have smoked pot.

IMHO, who the f cares if someone smokes pot? It says very little about one's character. If it weren't illegal there would be much less stigma about it then alcohol, cuz weed wont kill ya . . . ever!

It is illegal, however, and noone wants their players getting in some stupid legal trouble that they could easily avoid. What I don't get is that I have had several friends pass drug tests that they rightfully shouldn't have; there are ways to get around it. So it seems like guys that get caught up in this shit have an attitude like "whatever, Im a baller, I can do what I want," and THAT is what is dangerous. It shows lack of maturity and respect for authority.

If I'm about to pay you millions of dollars to play ball, you sure as shit better be able to quit smoking pot, and if you don' want to, fine! I don't give a shit, but at least lie to me and say you'll quit, don't you fucking get caught, and for God's sake don't run your mouth about it.

In the end, I guess I too would be wary of drafting such a player, not because of the pot per-se but because of the lack of maturity.

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

If you smoke pot on a regular basis or even a semi-regular basis, in my opinion, you're a bad-character guy and have no place on the team (I'll take the Joe Gibbs school of thought anyday). Only exception would be if you're an absolutely unbelievable talent like a Calvin Johnson.

If you admit to smoking pot, but indicate that it's a one-time thing, I'm still going to red-flag you. I wouldn't rule out drafting you, but I'd insist on doing a lot more homework on you. I'd be talking with your high school coaches, the parents of your high school friends, your college coaches, your parents, everybody.

And that my friends, is why Schneed will never be a scout in the NFL.

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

And that my friends, is why Schneed will never be a scout in the NFL.

Why? What he's saying is what any NFL scout would do. Bottom line for a scout is "are you providing a complete picture to the Personnel Director". Any illegal drug use needs to be considered. Players that get popped for drugs aren't on the field and are costing the team $$$. Not only in cap $$$ that could be used elsewhere if they are suspended, but in negative pub. When that happens where does the finger get pointed....to the Personnel Dept.

I don't think if a guy has "isolated incidents" that those are the single factor for not bringing a guy in, but the talent level better be well worth the risk. And if you have a few "isolated incidents" that's a trend.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

And that my friends, is why Schneed will never be a scout in the NFL.

I think you're having a hard time separating the issues here.

On one hand, some in this thread are tending to slant their arguments towards the idea that weed is no big deal, it won't affect performance, you can still work hard and smoke weed, ETC. Maybe so, maybe not, but that's not the friggin point.

The point is weed is illegal (I don't care whether it should be or not, again, not the point). It will get you suspended from the league if you test positive for it or are caught by the police possessing it. So guys who smoke it have an increased chance of missing games.

I mean isn't that the same thing as drafting a brittle player? Whether they smoke up or tend to get hurt, either way, they're a risk to be unavailable. If they might not be able to get on the field, why would I want them?

I happen to think my approach puts me a lot closer to the mindset of a real NFL scout than yours does. This is not a place to argue whether weed inhibits performance, or reflects upon character, or whether weed should be legal. It's cut and dry: you can get suspended for it. If that rule changes, then I'd change my thinking on it. But as long as that rule's in place, it seems pretty simple to me.

[DGreene28]

This current skins FO proved they would take a chance on a player who dropped becasue of marijuana concerns drafting Fred Smoot in the 2nd round of the 2001 draft. He's been clean as a whistle with the skins...

[PSUSkinsFan21]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

I think you're having a hard time separating the issues here.

On one hand, some in this thread are tending to slant their arguments towards the idea that weed is no big deal, it won't affect performance, you can still work hard and smoke weed, ETC. Maybe so, maybe not, but that's not the friggin point.

The point is weed is illegal (I don't care whether it should be or not, again, not the point). It will get you suspended from the league if you test positive for it or are caught by the police possessing it. So guys who smoke it have an increased chance of missing games.

I mean isn't that the same thing as drafting a brittle player? Whether they smoke up or tend to get hurt, either way, they're a risk to be unavailable. If they might not be able to get on the field, why would I want them?

I happen to think my approach puts me a lot closer to the mindset of a real NFL scout than yours does. This is not a place to argue whether weed inhibits performance, or reflects upon character, or whether weed should be legal. It's cut and dry: you can get suspended for it. If that rule changes, then I'd change my thinking on it. But as long as that rule's in place, it seems pretty simple to me.

Schneed, you are absolutely right. That said, I bet it still won't register.

[MTK]

I definitely wouldn't equate smoking pot with bad character. A lot depends on the individual situation.

If we're talking about a chronic user that's failed multiple tests, that's a problem and that's someone that would definitely fall off my draft chart. In this case the bad character thing might hold water.

If someone admits to having done it in the past and they've never tested positive, I wouldn't call that a big issue. There are probably more guys that fall in this category than not.

If someone failed one test but has been clean since, it's a situation to be mindful of but I wouldn't knock someone off my draft chart because of it.

[Larry Michael is Satan]

Randy Moss anyone? The only reason I'd have reservations about weed smokers is that it's against league policy, and they could miss games and cost you money because of it. But IMHO, anybody willing to get hit that hard on sunday should be able to smoke whatever they want.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by Larry Michael is Satan

Randy Moss anyone? The only reason I'd have reservations about weed smokers is that it's against league policy, and they could miss games and cost you money because of it. But IMHO, anybody willing to get hit that hard on sunday should be able to smoke whatever they want.

That's the funniest shit I heard all day (and it's even true IMO).

[freddyg12]

I used to blaze every day, but haven't in years. I had to pass a test to get my job & I can pass one to keep it if need be. Granted I have a lot of years between me & those older days, but in the world of pro sports these guys are forced to grow up quickly, cause if they don't they risk losing their career or lots of $.

I'm not saying that it's not a red flag, it is, but to me it's more about how mature the player is & how prepared he is to be a pro. Off the field Collegiate sports are a sheltered environment, pro sports aren't.

The article sounded pretty reasonable to me; Talib drew red flags because he seems nonchalant & immature about the issue, while Manningham has AT LEAST gotten some good legal/agent help to try & squash the situation.

[Schneed10]

I have a general distaste for marijuana and for those who smoke it (sorry), but I'm looking at this strictly through a GM's eyes:

- Smoking pot can get you banned from games.
- If I draft you, I want you available and accountable to your teammates.
- So if you smoke pot, you're risking your availability.

QED: Not the kind of guy I want on my team.

[hooskins]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

I have a general distaste for marijuana and for those who smoke it (sorry), but I'm looking at this strictly through a GM's eyes:

- Smoking pot can get you banned from games.
- If I draft you, I want you available and accountable to your teammates.
- So if you smoke pot, you're risking your availability.

QED: Not the kind of guy I want on my team.

Agreed and it more of a problem that he thinks the first time he smoked doesn't count. Basically like the one official said it seems like he just doesn't "get it". I wouldn't be surprised to see a similar apology letter from Talib soon after he gets word of this article.

[skinsfan69]

I wouldn't touch either of these guys. Manningham has a lot of growing up to do. He may be a good pro someday but it's going to take him a few years. Talib has trouble written all over him. No thanks.