Before Jabrill Peppers was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the No. 25 overall pick in the first round, he tested positive for a diluted sample at NFL Combine.
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Due to the diluted sample, Peppers will begin his NFL career in Stage One of the NFl drug program.
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If Peppers doesn't test positive in the next 90 days, he can be released from the program. If he fails a test or has another diluted sample during the 90 days, he will be fined the equivalent of three days' pay, and he will move to Stage Two of the program.
If he violates the drug test policy in Stage Two, he can either be suspended four games or docked four games worth of pay.
Browns general manager Sashi Brown said the failed drug test is something Peppers "has to clean up" moving forward.
"It's certainly a factor for us," Brown said on the night of the draft. "Jabrill understands. I think he's been accountable for it. He understands that it's something that he has to clean up as we move forward."
Peppers had a history of cramping while in Michigan, and he drank eight to 10 bottles of water before the combine because he had to work out with both the safeties and the linebackers. The excess water diluted his sample. Some players drink an excessive amount of water to cover up drug usage.
The Browns plan to start Peppers at strong safety. If he fails another drug test, it wouldn't be the ideal start to his NFL career.
(h/t Cleveland.com)
