Forget about needing players to get healthy, the Detroit Lions need players that can stay in the lineup and out of trouble.
Last year’s top two picks, defensive tackle Nick Fairley and running back Mikel Leshoure, were arrested for marijuana possession several months ago, and for both Leshoure and Fairley, it was the second time in any several months that they were busted.
Fairley was arrested on Sunday when he was traveling under the influence of alcohol and speeding at 100 mph in his 2010 Cadillac Escalade.
The issue here is that both can’t seem to learn their lesson and now Roger Goodell has grounds to suspend them both. It is widely known around the league that Goodell is one for laying the hammer down. When the Saints bounty-gate scandal came out, he suspended indefinetely, the former defensive coordinator that led the ring. Not to mention, he suspended head coach Sean Payton for an entire season for his involvement.
It is believed that Leshoure was the missing piece in the Lions offense and the running back that could be the Thunder to Jahvid Best’s Lightning. However, Leshoure tore his Achilles in training camp last year and didn’t play his rookie campaign. If he gets suspended, it could be week 5 until it is known what he brings to the table as a player. His importance as a running back for the Lions went up the second Best received his most recent concussion. This causes all sorts of problems for the organization.
Fairley also missed a great deal of time last year because of a broken bone in his foot. The Lions know that their defensive line can survive without him for a period of time, but his presence alongside Ndamukong Suh can be a staple of the Lions’ defense for years to come. The question, however, is whether Fairley (and Leshoure) can get their acts together and stay out of trouble.