Failed marijuana tests led to Hernandez’s draft fall

For weeks leading up to the 2010 NFL Draft, two primary criticisms surrounded former Florida Gators tight end Aaron Hernandez: his lack of prototypical size for the position and “character concerns.” While specific information was not available for quite some time regarding these mysterious personality issues, The Boston Globe is now reporting that the questions about Hernandez’s character came from “multiple failed drug tests for marijuana” during his time at Florida.

The Florida tight end passed his drug test at the combine, according to the long-time executive [interviewed for the story who said Hernandez “admits to it”], so he won’t start his NFL career in the league’s substance-abuse program. But because of his past history, he is subject to more tests.

A source close to Hernandez said to his knowledge, the tight end failed just one drug test at Florida, in February 2008, and not multiple tests, but conceded that the player’s marijuana use had been a problem and was the primary reason for his fall down the draft board.

[…]

The explanation Hernandez gave to teams was that his drug use stemmed from the 2006 death of his father, Dennis, who died of complications following hernia surgery while Hernandez was a junior at Bristol (Conn.) Central High.
The drug problem followed him to Gainesville, where he enrolled in 2007.

“It’s not like he failed one test,’’ said the AFC college scout. “He had repeated issues with it, to the point where you worry about whether he’ll be able to lay off the stuff at our level. To be honest, he’s super talented and, even with the issues, I’m surprised he fell as far he did.”

Hernandez would go on to shine during the 2008 season and continued his success as the 2009 Mackey Award winner (nation’s best tight end). Initially projected to be a first- or second-round pick, he fell to the fourth round of the NFL Draft before being selected by the New England Patriots with the No. 113 overall pick.

Photo Credit: John Biever/Sports Illustrated