Hernandez Up in Smoke?

According to published reports, fourth round steal, TE Aaron Hernandez, was excellent escaping press coverage during mini camp. He did not speak to the media at all. With the help of the Patriots staff, Hernandez was escorted off the field after every practice, away from the microphones, recorders, and a possible distraction.

The reason for avoiding the media was because of the recent report that Hernandez failed multiple drug tests. That led to Hernandez, projected as a second round pick, falling to the fourth round. A day or two later, Hernandez released a statement saying he turned to marijuana after the death of his father and he failed just one drug test.

A red flag like failed drug tests understandably is a serious matter. But I find some relief that the drug of choice for Hernandez was marijuana.

Let me make this clear: I don’t smoke weed, never did, I have no interest in trying it, and I don’t believe anyone should be smoking it. With that being said, of the number of drugs one could get involved with, it’s a bit of a relief that Hernandez smoked marijuana.

There are millions of people that get lifted in this country without their habit interfering with their performance. Whether Hernandez is telling the truth or he regularly got together with friends to share the peace pipe, it didn’t keep him from winning the Mackey Award for being the best collegiate tight end in the country last year.

Thankfully the NFL’s drug policy discourages drug use. Hernandez has no choice but to be clean or face suspension. He already lost a lot of money from his draft freefall. I can’t imagine he’d like to lose the opportunity to become a rich man.

Regardless of the circumstances, Hernandez needs to remain clean if he wants to have an NFL career. Marijuana is a banned substance and can cost a player his career, like it did Rashaan Salaam. If Hernandez does have a problem, thankfully he only costs the Pats a fourth round pick. Cutting Aaron won’t be a tremendous loss.

Hopefully it doesn’t get to that point. I wanted the Pats to draft Hernandez in the second round if Jermaine Gresham wasn’t available. But more than anything, if New England cuts Hernandez, some team will quickly sign him for the rookie minimum.

Questions? Comments? Send to talktome@randolphc.com