Originally Posted by SaintsBro (Post 649214)

First of all, Sean Payton has always had room on the roster for a small number of "head cases" or problem children, or giving second chances to guys. If you are truly ready to fly right and turn over a new leaf, there is a roster spot to be earned for you on the Saints. Everything from Carl Nicks to Anthony Hargrove to Joe Morgan to Jonathan Vilma (who had skirmishes with the commissioner before, over behavior). Or some guys who are maybe not about bad behavior but are just head cases, in general, like Reggie Bush or Jeremy Shockey or some of our emo and leg-shaving kickers. The difference is that Payton just doesn't let the inmates run the asylum, and he keeps that number of "asterix" players low, so that they are constantly in check and not a distraction.

But secondly, Gregory to the Saints in particular has a bit of a wrinkle, to the plot. I can't put my finger on it definitively, I can't say for sure, but I've always had the distinct feeling that Payton does NOT like dudes who are into weed, being on the team. Donte Stallworth obviously springs to mind, sent packing with his bags, and look how that turned out. There were other potential players and draft picks that Payton and the Saints passed over or skipped, that had weed attached to their names. (I'm sure if I had more coffee I could probably make a list and remember a few).

Whatever one's personal opinion of the stuff, I kinda suspect that Payton doesn't like the weed in his locker room....I think he's kinda old school that way, but we'll see.

Originally Posted by jnormand (Post 649414)

I'm in law enforcement. I don't think weed should be legalized. There's enough "legal" things out there without bringing in another one. That said, I also don't think its as bad as other drugs.

My deal here is this. If this kid knew a couple of years ago that he had the possibility of going pro and making money in the NFL and he chose to risk it by smoking dope, then he's an idiot. Its called priorities. Yes I expect kids to make mistakes, but if this kid has been positive more than once, then he's not accountable, not responsible and is not thinking about the impact it has on his future.

Pass. I'd rather spend a first round pick on a good character guy that wants to be a teamer. Not someone who puts their career and character in question because they can't put down the pipe.

Originally Posted by Beastmode (Post 649422)

I read from one NFL player (can't remember) that whatever issues a draftee had before being drafted, the money can, and often does, make it worse. It enables them to take it to a much higher level.

I'm all about second chances but when you look at some of these guys, some of them are beyond their second chance. Winston has had many immature moments as an adult, not just the one sexual assault allegation. Why would any team take a chance on that is beyond me. It's not even a reasonable gamble. The odds that player will get in trouble are extremely high and the stakes are as well. It can set a team back several years.

Short term from what I have seen; it works. Long term; almost never.