Tyrann Mathieu Enters Rehab, Will Not Play Football in 2012

Tyrann Mathieu’s father told a New Orleans television station on Thursday night that his son is entering into a rehabilitation center, and he will not be playing football in the 2012 season. Image and personal cleanup are–at least for the time being–more important than football.

I agree.

Mathieu has been in trouble a few times at LSU now, and obviously drugs have been a big problem in his life. It’s not every day you see a Heisman Trophy finalist kicked off a national title contender. In fact, I can’t remember ever seeing that at all.

Mathieu has a lot of personal reflection to do, and he can still decide to play football this season, but he will likely have to file for transfer at some point this month due to NCAA deadlines. I am not sure that will wind up being the case, but if he does wind up sitting out this season, Mathieu has plenty of football ahead of him. He has a redshirt, as well as two years of eligibility left at this point. He is still very young and has a lot to look forward to in life, but he has to get his priorities in order.

Even if he doesn’t play this year, Mathieu will be eligible for the 2013 NFL Draft since he is three years removed from his high school graduating class.