Laremy Tunsil May Not Start Career Under Stage 1 of League’s Substance Abuse Program: blogged by @niksofly

Then 2016 NFL draft proved to be one of the most interesting drafts to date.  In the course of one night, viewers of the draft witnessed a soap-opera worthy smear campaign set to destroy one of the top NFL prospects, Laremy Tunsil, take place. With the suit filed by his step father looming over his head on that fateful day, Tunsil also endured the hacking of his social media accounts.  Footage leaked of Tunsil in a gas mask inhaling what is believed to be marijuana, costing the first-round pick a few draft spots and a reported eight to 13 million dollars. 

Proclaiming that he does not have a drug problem to Miami media after being drafted, Tunsil stated “You can chek all of my college tests. I never failed one”. Sources are now reporting to ESPN that the Dolphins rookie will not begin his professional career under Stage 1 of the league’s substance abuse program.

However, there is a behavior clause within the collective bargaining agreement that could potentially ruin the clean slate that Tunsil expects to start with. The clause is as follows:

“Behavior [including but not limited to an arrest or conduct related to an alleged misuse  of substances of abuse occurring up to two football seasons prior to the player’s applicable scouting combine] which, in the judgment of the medical director, exhibits physical, behavioral, or psychological signs or symptoms of misuse of substances of abuse.”

There has not been any formal comments supporting or disproving the information. Brian McCarthy , VP of the NFL’s communications,  stated “ We cannot comment on the status of any player due to the confidential nature of the NFL-NFLPA substance abuse program”.

The Dolphins were satisfied with Tunsil’s character after completing a thorough background check.  Dolphins owner, Stephen Ross notes, “Meeting the kid, you know that this is a good kid. It’s going to be a great choice”.

The source indicates that league will monitor and support Tunsil in the case intervention is needed. However, that need has not been indicated or reflected.

Realistically, Tunsil’s issues occurred before he entered the NFL. These problems lie on the shoulders of Ole Miss and NCAA violations. Had these issues ( alleged substance abuse and receiving money from Ole Miss personnel)  been voiced while Tunsil was an active collegiate athlete than ramifications could have been administered to both Tunsil and Ole Miss. Right now this falls squarely on Ole Miss. Whomever tried to ruin Tunsil only hurt Ole Miss.  Congratulations. You played Ole Miss ( Dj Khaled voice) .

-Niko Rose