Quotes leaked discussing Mathieu’s failed drug tests.
Former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu has reacted angrily after quotes were leaked from an unnamed NFL assistant over his history with failed drug tests.
The NFL prospect has made no secret of his previous battles with drugs, and has been in rehabilitation to overcome his troubles as he eyes a positive result at this month’s Draft.
The 20-year-old is set to embark on a 10-stop tour with teams in order to decide on his future and on where his league career will begin.
While seemingly open to answering questions during the recent NFL Combine and interviews since, Mathieu is far from thrilled about others leaking confidential comments in team interviews.
An unnamed NFL coach told USA Today Sports reporter Jarrett Bell that when asked about how many drug tests he failed before he was suspended in college, Mathieu responded: “I quit counting at 10. I really don’t know.”
The anonymous coach also pointed the finger of blame at LSU, stating: “If he flunked 10 tests before they suspended him, it shows that he got no kind of help.”
His comments have now resulted in an angry response from Mathieu, who released a statement on LSUsports.net discussing the situation.
“It is irresponsible and shows a lack of integrity for anyone to disclose medical information regardless of how it was gathered.
“I would expect that conversations regarding my drug testing history during the course of my medical treatment would be private. LSU has a strong drug testing program and LSU went to great lengths to help me in my treatment and recovery.
“I understand that many people enjoy reading about the negative side of sports, but to publish those second-hand comments without being given a chance to address that comment prior to the publication of the article is irresponsible,” he concluded.
Mathieu will now be hoping that the latest controversy surrounding his career will not have a negative effect on his chances at the Draft on April 25.
The former Heisman Trophy finalist has been declared clean since October, and enjoyed a strong performance at the scouting combine in February.
Last month, he gave a positive showing at LSU’s pro day to back up his claims at being a top draft prospect. He has been projected as a second or third-round pick by many experts, and will now await which franchise shows the most faith in him.
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