DawgTalkers.net Forums The Archives 2017 NFL Season 2017 NFL Draft Peppers fails combine drug test- if he slides, do we want him

Reports indicate J. Peppers- Michigan safety/linebacker failed his combine drug test due to a diluted sample-http://www.thescore.com/news/1287717- assuming this is true, I'd still want him, he could slide to 33- would be good value pick.....GO Browns!!!!

I don't want anyone who has clear cut issues. Regardless of the need and regardless of the talent.

For me, it's as simple as that. I'm done dealing with these kids. We need our draft picks to actually amount to players who stay on the field and, well, you know... play.

He didn't test positive for anything.

I didn't want him before this, and I sure don't want him now. I wanted Foster at one point, but when a guy is so stupid and/or undisciplined that he can't give up pot for a couple of months, so he can make millions of dollars, then it shows where his priorities are. I have heard that there are concerns with the crowd that Foster hangs with. I admit that I am really sensitive to this kind of crap, because we already have one player who is immensely talented, but who can't live without his Cheech and Chong moments. We don't need more great players, who will win up on the long term suspended by commissioner list.

Maybe I lose out by refusing to take chances on this kind of player. However, I want no part of players who care about getting high than playing football at a high level.

Over hydrating because he gets cramps?

It's the agent's job to make sure these players know what's ahead of them. A diluted sample is a failed drug test. I'm sure every agent out there knows this rule/policy. If your party actually has a "serious" issue with cramps, knowing he'll be [censored] tested, then maybe the agents could propose an alternate route.

To me, and maybe I'm just the "negative nancy" here, but sounds like an excuse because someone had a "duh" moment and couldn't pass up that bong hit (this is just speculation on my behalf.)

*EDIT* wow it censored those words? Those aren't even bad words haha.

No, but diluted samples are a red flag. Those are reported for a reason. He can claim "keeping hydrated" like everyone else who submits a diluted sample. Which is as convincing as "someone must have hacked my Twitter account."

My guess - another idiot who couldn't remember that there are drug tests at the combine.

No thanks, had enough of players like this. Steer clear of him.

If he slides to third I'd start thinking about it but no earlier. This draft is too deep to justify the extra risk...especially at 33 where you're more or less getting a third first rounder.

Everyone should go read Joe Thomas's Twitter feed on this topic.

Never wanted him anyway. 3rd round talent without a position

I seen it!

I didn't want him before this ...

Not in defense of him per se but my girlfriend once failed due to a diluted sample. She doesn't smoke. She just drank her morning coffee and some additional water to ensure she had to go pee on the spot. She was able to retest a couple days later and passed.
It can happen without any intention is all I'm saying.

Obviously, I have no idea if he was trying to mask drug use by over-hydrating, but a lot of these guys want to weigh in "heavier" to make their measurables more NFL-sized, and the easiest way to do that is to pound water before getting weighed. That along with the fact that young athletes are taught to hydrate at every opportunity, especially when working out, which is what they are at the Combine to do.

Joe Thomas Verified

Here's to people who love water. Just don't let @nflcommish know, I hear the NFL is anti water.

JMHO, I believed him when he stated he'd over hydrated due to cramps--I think the background checks should uncover ANY weed or drinking issues. OF NOTE- 'Great mystery' why team drafted Manziel, I can't BELIEVE the fired front office KNEW all the stuff on Manziel- HASLEM made the pick, he's the owner and he wanted the risk....thinking the reward was worth it. Damn did that blow up in his face, hope he LEARNED something from it and lets football people make the first and other picks......GO Browns!!!! The Browns are his team, but not really- he screwed all of us with that pick.

Yes I take him in the 2nd with our 2nd pick

This kinda sucks, because it probably moves Obi up on a few boards. Can we draft Peppers and Obi and run a 4-4?

I still see him drafted by the end of the first, but not a good few months for him as a prospect

I don't know if he's a full time pothead or just a one-time knucklehead, but I'll tell you this, this sample is going to cost him a lot of money. I hope it was worth it.

And yeah, like others have said, if you're drinking gallons of water to stay hydrated because of some reason and/or you're not a smoker, then ask for a special test or make it known PRIOR to the combine. A diluted result on the biggest job interview of your life just looks dumb.

He played like dirt in the Ohio State, vs. Michigan game.

I'm sorry, but the weight this carries with me, and it should carry with teams looking at prospects, is astronomical.

I mean, it's one thing if the team gameplanned against one player, or an injury situation or something like that, but I don't think those apply, he just laid an egg, it appears.

If you play for either of them, and can't bring it for that game, then do you really get it.

I'm not a Peppers fan, but I agree that being able to tell someone they drank too much water is a bit much. Do an alternate test. He was possibly trying to show he could add weight to play linebacker during the weigh in, but also wanted to be as light as possible for the drills. Adding water weight that could be lost quickly could make sense with that idea in mind.

Agree 100%. Why should this be published as important news and cost a young man millions- no release of failure until a blood test is done. Unless they refuse to give blood.
Go Browns!!!!