NFL scouts brought more than stop watches and notepads to college campuses around the country to evaluate prospects for this week's NFL Draft.
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Scouts also brought a message for coaches: "Stress to your players it's imperative to avoid off-the-field trouble.”
That's why Oklahoma State wide receiver Adarius Bowman's arrest earlier this month for possession of marijuana could significantly hurt him in the draft.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reportedly is preparing an even stronger player conduct policy to combat his league's image that he's running a league with out-of-control players.
If Goodell has his way, NFL teams could find themselves paying large fines, possibly lose draft picks, if they continue to insist on drafting and keeping players with off-the-field issues.
That's why some believe Bowman's arrest could be costly. The Sporting News said Bowman has dropped from a second round pick to possibly going in rounds five or six.
"Once viewed as the best big receiver (6-foot-4) in this draft, Bowman's stock has plummeted since he struggled to catch the ball and elude defenders at the Senior Bowl,” wrote TSN' Russ Lande. "He also ran poorly at the combine and was arrested on a marijuana charge.”
Bowman's stock began to slip with a poor showing at the Senior Bowl. That was followed by a slow 4.74 time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Then came the biggest blow of all. Pulled over for a speeding ticket, Bowman tossed a bag of marijuana out his car window. It was a small amount. It's a misdemeanor charge. But on sheriff Goodell's watch, that small amount of marijuana could cost Bowman big bucks.
The arrest occurred in Chattanooga, Tenn., while visiting his mother, Tara. When his mother learned of the arrest she was so upset she slammed a door, cut her arm and had to go to the emergency room to get 13 stitches.
"I love my son and I know in my heart he's hurt because I know how much he cares about what people think of him,” Tara was quoted. "But if you allow something this stupid to come between you and all the money and peace of mind you were about to have…”
At OSU's Pro Day a month ago, Bowman was asked if he would be disappointed if he wasn't selected the first day, i.e. the first three rounds.
"I won't be mad either way,” Bowman said. "All I look at is only one team's got to like you. Whichever one takes me, I'm going to be happy. I feel like it's a positive even if I go in the 6th or 7th (rounds).”
Following his recent arrest, that's exactly where Bowman might wind up being selected. There's a chance he might not even be drafted, although some team probably will take him based on his strength, good size and blocking skills.
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Poor Danny, trying to make himself feel better by putting down a university that he knows nothing about. Sad...Sad.....I feel sorry for him. That must have been terrible telling his friends and family he didn't get into OU.
Ya Danny, and Terrel Everett probably thought the same thing when he got caught with it in the OU dorms. "Man, Sampson is cheating, just like our football team and gymnastics team. I should just smoke it up!"
Weed isn't a big deal. It sucks that he would do it leading up to draft day, however. Dumb move on his part. Also, how was he overhyped? The guy produced both seasons.
ST what makes osu losers is stillwater, pistol pete, the colors, places called the "wormy dog", that guy or gal on the horsey riding around you know the one just like Texas Tech has!, that stupid wave, guns blazing!, do I really have to go on?
itmustsucktobeosu, ardmore - Apr 21, 2008 at 5:46 pm
ST, stop it, you are embarrassing osu, when I hit a nerv I really hit it! Aaron is right guys, why waiste your time picking on innocent ole me when the real problem is the drug abuse at osu, i'm sure Bowman woke up and realized where he was attending school and said "man what have I done" "I need dope". Heck, I would have done the same thing, if i were at osu I would toke up on Ghanga too!
itmustsucktobeosu, ardmore - Apr 21, 2008 at 5:44 pm
What did I say? I can't STAND dannyitmustsucktobeyou and his buddy arron!! All I said was Better dead than red! You will never see me support a fool like him! You must have me confused with someone else. I never said anything about your MArshall comment and I certainly did not bring our Basketball tragedy into this conversation! That was OK from Lahoma - obviously another lost soul for OU.
Nathan, glad to see you crawled out from wherever. If you took the time to look, obviously you didn't, I did not support that idiot. But I DID take offense to your comments. Loser.
ST, shut up! you have to be honest here. the world would be a better place without a lot of the idiots like itmustsucktobeosu. i mean, how dare you try to support a fool like this. yes OSU had a tragic accident losing several members of their basketball team... i don't wish that on the school, just certain people. heck, it doesn't even have to be a plane crash, maybe itmustsucktobeosu can just get hit by a bus or struck by lightning.
ST, you're the same as nathan. I thought you were doing something pretty good trying to get everyone back on subject, but as soon as someone picks on you.....
Arron you and dannyitmustsucktobeyou are bestest friends aren't you? Go on, he is waiting for you at the Braum's in Ardmore! By the way, I said Bowman made a stupid mistake but there are others out there that have done far worse!
Adarius might blow his career; I don't think any of you "fans" care. You all obviously have so much more money that any of us OU fans that you have no time to concern youselves with the troubles of one of your own. Way to Cowboy up on Danny, and not offer any advice for a young man with a problem. Your pack behavior by your graduates shows the lack of evolution that will keep you well behind the crimson and cream as the best University in Oklahoma.
I was at a story concerning the OU mascot where they treated "Danny" pretty badly. For being an "OU" supporter he doesn't get respect on their blogs either. Put that big "L" back on your forhead Danny.
Back on subject - Bowman was stupid for getting into trouble. However, there are lots of others out there that have done far worse that marijuana possession.
danny/itmustsucktobeyou - Cameron wants their diploma back. They don't want anyone as ignorant as you respesenting their school! Go Cowboys and Go Pioneers!! Went to both schools and they are both great!
Nathan, how DARE you wish for a "we are marshall" moment for anyone. You have got to be one sick individual. Especially from stillwater where that did happen to you guys and a LOT of OU fans shed tears for your basketball team and what they had to go through. You can gripe all you want about some idiot that posts on here just to get you going, but you went WAY beyond the limits. Worthless Loser.
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