Illegal Drugs in Sports (Ryan Mallet)

In the sporting world no matter whether it high school, college, or professional, there is always going to be the use of illegal drugs. There are many methods preventing the use of illegal drug but still they somehow find their way into the organization of sports. Athletes just want that little extra advantage over their opponent because they want to be the best and they will do almost anything to be on top, even if that means risking everything by the use of illegal drugs. But is it really worth it to risk everything you’ve ever worked for? There are many cases and examples that tell about athletes using illegal drugs and their consequences. The recent example I’m going to discuss is the quarterback, Ryan Mallett, from Arkansas and his ill edged drug use. A quick overview of the situation currently is that Ryan Mallett was said to have used illegal drugs and was going to be questioned about it during his interview with NFL general managers before the draft. Depending on how he answers the general managers, it could affect his round pick in the draft from the first round, to the third round. During a recent interview Mallett admitted to the use of illegal drugs and the GM that was interviewing him said that he was the first quarterback ever to admit the use of illegal drugs. Now Mallett must wait and find out to see if the general managers that he talked to liked what he said and think that he worth the gamble. The first article that I found discusses the issues not on the field but off the field with Ryan Mallett. They say of course that Mallett is an outstanding quarterback but the NFL worries about his “extra baggage” that he has on his back right now. And also, like I said earlier, he has confessed to illegal drug use, which to my understanding it is cocaine. Cocaine is a pretty serious drug and cannot be looked past unlike minor drugs. The article also mentions that Mallett has gained the reputation of a “party boy” and that his wildness must also be taken into account. The article continues to mention that his “character issues” are nothing compared to the recent incident with Michael Vick or Ben Roethlisberger. So if you think about him compared to the big time guys with big time problems, then Mallett doesn’t seem as bad. But still, it’s a gamble. Another article tells about how many of Mallett’s allegations can be one-hundred percent proven correct. It’s says that there are some minor things on his record, like an arrest for public intoxication back in 2009, which many athletes have been there. And there hasn’t been another incident like that in over two years. Other than that, there’s nothing major. The only real thing that NFL general managers are worried about is his character concerns, and most importantly leadership. They want the total package when looking for a good, solid, quarterback. The article asks, do you think quarterbacks like Manning, Brees, and Ryan, are big partiers and “are in the clubs more than the film room?” They are looking for Mallett to be a great quarterback and they need him to be perfect. So mainly all the articles state that general manager’s want the total package and as of right now are focusing on his character. Personally, I think I would take the gamble on Ryan Mallett. These “personality issues” are something that can easily be changed and you can’t overlook the guy’s talent. If he’s this good in college I can see him blowing up in the NFL. As for the drug use, I would make it very clear that he must straighten up and if he relapses once, he can kiss his contract goodbye. That being said, I would sign him for a one year contract to see if he fixes his little problems and then once he proves to me that he can do it, ill resign him on a longer contract.
Questions:
1.) What do you think will end up happening to Ryan Mallett? 2.) What would you do if you were a GM and you were looking at Ryan Mallett as a potential quarterback? 3.) What do you think Mallett’s future looks like? 4.) If you were Mallett, what would you tell the GM’s about your alleged flaw? 5.) If you were Mallett’s manager, what would you advise him to in the situation?

Contemporary Issues in Sports Administration
Chris McCarty
Final Essay
04/28/2011

Sources: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/669654-ryan-mallett-will-admitted-drug-use-mean-the-end-of-malletts-1st-round-hopes http://bleacherreport.com/articles/572087-ryan-mallett-rumors-what-dont-we-know-about-the-arkansas-quarterback