When Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett admitted to using drugs earlier this year, it was a bit of a scandal. He left college as a junior and was predicted to be a top-tier pick for the NFL draft until he made comments about drug use.
Professional football is a small community and character matters a great deal. Although many college kids, even the most talented, certainly party a great deal, we prefer to turn a blind eye. So mentioning it is a no-no. In an interview, one General Manager said, “I would not take him at any point [in the draft].”
So even though Mallett never tested positive for any illegal substance at the college level, and even though he’s a top talent this year, his prospects didn’t look so good. He did get arrested for public intoxication while at Arkansas. When the story broke, the quarterback said the news reports were exaggerated and thought commentators should stay out of his business.
Fast forward to the draft itself and Mallett doesn’t get a first round pick, or even a second round. Teams jump on other available quarterbacks instead. Mallett did get picked up by the Patriots in round three, but that means he’ll only get a four year contract and substantially less money. The team already has a star quarterback as well – Tom Brady – which limits opportunity.
So was he wrong to admit his failings? From a business perspective, certainly. Instead of being the go-to guy at a franchise that needs an up and coming QB, he’s now going to sit second chair for the New England Patriots. There’s little doubt that what you do off the field reflects on how you are seen as a prospect. NFL teams are tired of their guys getting busted for bad behavior and it represents a real risk to them.
So, yes. Character matters and people do rush to judgment.
