I have long espoused that the National Football League should mandate alcohol classes. Drug classes too should be standard operating procedure for all incoming rookies. The Detroit Lions are a team in need of alcohol classes.
It has been only a year, but already four of the Lions' five 2011 draft picks have run afoul of the law or have been subjected to significant in-house discipline.
First-round pick Nick Fairley has been arrested twice, once on possession of marijuana charges in April and just a month later for driving under the influence of alcohol and attempting to elude police. This according to freep.com.
Second-round pick Titus Young returned to the team after missing practice last week following a fight with teammate Louis Delmas, second-rounder Mikel Leshoure has been ticketed twice for marijuana possession this off-season, and seventh-round pick Johnny Culbreath was arrested for possession in January.
Only fifth-round pick Doug Hogue has steered clear of trouble.
Fairley, Young and Leshoure all had notable character concerns coming out of college. Fairley, a projected top-eight pick who fell to 13, had to answer questions about his work ethic and being a one-year wonder after a dominant junior season at Auburn. Leshoure reportedly tested positive for marijuana at Illinois. And Young was suspended for most of his sophomore season for violating team rules at Boise State.
Do you think the Lions at least should employ alcohol classes and drug classes? This type of behavior must be dealt with more severely. Consequences need to be tougher because these athletes don’t care about meager fines. However, the court of public opinion will weigh heavily in future contract negotiations.