I don’t like what prospects have to go through during the NFL draft process.
Ryan Mallett has been called too urban, Vanilla Ice, a drug addict, thuggish, an alcoholic and just a problem in general. I am sure some of this is true and some of it is hyperbole, but what is getting lost is the most important question.
Can Mallett play quarterback in the NFL?
With that being said if the real reason Mallett canceled his meetings with the Carolina Panthers was because he took to many Patron shots the night before, some will see that as a Red Flag.
Mallett reportedly arrived in town April 8 and met team officials for a dinner that night. There were supposed to be meetings the next day at Bank of America Stadium but they were canceled after Mallett called the team saying he was sick. The problem? Sources say Mallett was seen out on the town following the late dinner.
Earlier this week there were reports that Mallett had admitted to teams that he has used drugs in the past. Questions about rumored failed drug tests and character concerns have dogged the talented pocket passer throughout the 2011 draft process.
Before jumping to conclusions, just remember it is as likely that Mallet was really sick for other reasons than knocking down to many Captain Morgans.
Unfortunately for Mallet because of the new age media world will live in, most will assume the worst. The interesting thing is none of this stuff matters, it only takes one team to fall in love with him, just don’t expect it to be the Panthers.
*UPDATE*
According to his agent Mallett was genuinely ill.
Adam Schefter of ESPN quotes agent J.R. Carroll as saying that on the night in question, April 8, Mallett had dinner in Charlotte with Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones, and that Mallett headed back to his hotel room when he didn’t feel well.
“I’ll tell you this — Ryan was in his hotel room by about 10 o’clock,” Carroll said.