NFL teams were informed on Monday that Jabrill Peppers failed a drug test because of a diluted sample, and it’s unclear how that will affect the former Michigan star’s draft stock.
According to one report, it won’t be the only thing coaches and executives are concerned about.
Adam Schefter said on ESPN Monday that NFL teams don’t like the fact that Peppers sat out the Orange Bowl when Michigan took on Florida State back in December, which turned out to be a thrilling 33-32 win for the Seminoles. While photos appeared to show Peppers was dealing with a legitimate hamstring injury prior to the game, some folks at the pro level apparently feel he showed a lack of commitment to his team.
Of course, star running backs Christian McCaffrey and Leonard Fournette also opted to sit out their teams’ bowl games out of fear that they might suffer a serious injury. According to Schefter, NFL teams are bothered that Peppers decided to sit out at the last second, whereas McCaffrey and Fournette notified their teams well in advance.
Some NFL coaches have openly said they disagree with star players skipping bowl games, but this seems unfair to Peppers. McCaffrey and Fournette have seen their draft stock surge over the past few weeks, and no one has made any mention of them abandoning their teammates in what would have been their final collegiate game.
Criticizing Peppers for his failed drug test — and not believing his excuse — is one thing, but it seems like his reason for sitting out the Orange Bowl seemed legitimate, injury-wise.
