CANTON, Ohio
-- The Falcons knew selecting Jalen Collins was a gamble back in 2015.
He had substance abuse issues in college at LSU.
Collins, who was suspended for the first four games last season for using performance-enhancing drugs, insisted that he was not in hot water with the coaches or the league on Tuesday when we chatted on the aluminum benches off to the side.
“No, no situations,” Collins said. “I’m just trying to make the most of this camp and get everybody ready. We are going to need everybody.”
He lied to my face as he was suspended 10 games for the 2017 season on Sunday.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn gave a cryptic response to a question asking why Collins was working with the third team.
“Yeah, that came up yesterday regarding Collins," Quinn said on Tuesday. "He is working with the second group. Right now, our first group is Robert Alford and Brian Poole inside at nickel and on the other side is Desmond Trufant. At times, it might feel like Collins is in the second or third group.
"That’s where he is on the depth chart right now. I know it came out yesterday that he was working with the third group. Sometimes it may seem like that with how it works out, but those are the first three and then we’re working him in behind that group.”
Say what?
The Falcons had to know this matter was pending.
The Falcons started talking up reserve cornerback C.J. Goodwin, who'd been working out with the second team.
Collins, who started to tap into some of his immense talent last season, has proven himself to be undependable.
The Falcons talk about "protecting the team." For two seasons straight, Collins has failed to do so.
His next violation, under the league's performing enhancement policy, will earn him at least a two-year banishment.
The Falcons can save him the trouble by moving on.
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