Buffalo Bills stalwart defensive tackle, and former all-everything Alabama defensive lineman, Marcell Dareus has no doubt seen a better three years.
In 2014, Dareus was arrested for possession of marijuana. Entering the 2015 season, Dareus threatened to hold out barring a substantial contract bump -- which he got. He promptly repaid the team by failing an NFL substance abuse screen and served a suspension.
Now, this season, Dareus again has tripped over his own stash, reportedly failing to show up for another test (or outright failing, depending on the sources.) The NFL treats a missed test as a failed test, and it imposed the second-offense sentence of a four-game suspension.
That was apparently the final straw, either personally or per the team. Marcell has now planned to enter rehab.
Bills’ Marcell Dareus Will Enter Rehab After Latest Failed Drug Test | The Big Lead
Marcell Dareus, the Buffalo Bills two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, was given a 4-game suspension by the NFL earlier this week for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. Dareus blamed the suspension on a missed drug test, which is treated like a failed drug test, but on Saturday, Dareus announced that he would be entering rehab.
Via the Buffalo Bills official site: After careful consideration of recent events within my life, I have made the decision to enter a rehabilitation facility. I feel this is the best decision for me, my family and my teammates as I move forward with my career. I appreciate the support of my teammates and the Bills organization through this process.
This decision is the best for Dareus, no doubt. Everyone with an ear to the ground knows a Marcell Dareus weed story. His teammates begged him to slow down his consumption as far back as 2011. The criminal justice system hasn't worked, nor, until now, has the threat of his livelihood. Marcell's decision to enter rehab may even be the result of Josh Gordon's cautionary tale, where the equally talented and troubled wide receiver nearly drank himself out of the NFL.
Let's hope that Dareus can get his drug habit under control and live a productive, healthy live -- football aside.