The Atlanta Falcons have suspended cornerback Jalen Collins for 10 games after he violated the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, it is reported.
Collins, who also sat out the start of last season after failing a drugs test, will not play until at least November 26, when two thirds of the schedule will be finished.
It comes after the third-year pro, out of LSU, was demoted to third team defensive training earlier this week in what was then described as a ‘coaching decision’.
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff gave a statement to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, in which he said: ‘We are extremely disappointed that for the second straight season, we are dealing with a suspension for Jalen.
‘Such are the consequences when certain choices are made. Our decisions going forward will be based on what (coach Dan Quinn) and I feel is best for the team.’
Collins said at the time of his demotion that he had no problem with it, and was doing what he felt was best for the team.
The 6ft 2ins, 198lbs cornerback admitted flunking drugs tests while at LSU, but was still drafted by the Falcons in 2015 on a four-year contract worth almost $5.5million.
But it seems his troubled college days have followed him into the big-time, after he was banned for four games at the start of last season for a drug violation.
Collins made just six starts last season but played during Super Bowl 51 when the Falcons were beaten in overtime by the Patriots. He was credited with a team-high of 10 tackles.
This season Collins will be able to make just six starts in total in the regular season, provided he starts all of the games he is eligible to play, which is far from likely.
Should he fail another NFL-mandated test, Collins would be subject to a two-year suspension from football.
He will miss out on more than half a million dollars in wages thanks to his latest suspension.
