SI: B.J. Raji failed drug test at Combine

by Fooch on Apr 2, 2009 2:55 PM PDT in Draft Comment 53 comments

Not sure what the exact drug is, but SI is reporting B.J. Raji failed his Combine drug test. He tested positive for marijuana at BC so it might not have been a steroid test he failed. Either way it should hurt his draft stock.

According to the NFL's drug policy, a positive test for street drugs, which includes marijuana, puts a player into the initial stage of the NFL's drug program. He's then subject to random testing and subject to a fine or suspension if he tests positive again.

For those that don't remember, Warren Sapp saw his draft stock plummet after he tested positive for marijuana. Two questions: 1) How far does he drop? 2) Would you trust drafting him if he was there at 10 now?

Much much more to come on this.

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if he falls to 10

your damn skippy we take him. its just weed.

Other than death and taxes, only 4 things in this world are indisputable:
Brandon Roy is the BEST player in the NBA in the clutch.
Montana to Rice were the greatest to ever play the game.
The Four Horsemen of Maddux, Smoltz, Glavine and Avery were unstoppable.
No one protects the pipes like Luongo.

by GreatOden'sRaven on Apr 2, 2009 2:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It more than just weed

He had criminal issues since High School.I quess some people never learn even with Millions on the line.

by LASVEGASNINER on Apr 6, 2009 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tough call

I think an impact NT is the best possible upgrade for the Niners front seven, so Raji falling to 10 would be perfect.

I just don’t see it happening. It’s probably marijuana and that’s not as big of a deal as it was back in Sapp’s days.

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Apr 2, 2009 2:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Many people...

… don’t feel like he’ll actually be a good NT. From what I’ve read, he definitely fits as a 4-3 DT because he has the ability to push and penetrate, but I have read VERY little about him being able to 2-gap and eat up blockers (which is the NT’s primary assignment the majority of the time, if not 80+ percent of the time).

by sfgfan on Apr 2, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure that's true

I think he’s been overrated by playing next to Brace, but his size has also been under-evaluated due to the same thing.

We haven’t really seen him play the NT role, but his body and athleticism says he is the kind of player who can take on two blockers on every play. If he’s running the 40yd in 5.0 at 320lb, then he may be able to safely bulk up to ~340lb. I saw his 40yd runs live at the combine and he’s got room to bulk up.

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Apr 2, 2009 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Size...

… does not equal an NT. Neither does athleticism. It’s more of a mind-set, and he’s shown to want to be the penetrating kind of player, not one that sits at home and holds the fort.

by sfgfan on Apr 2, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by bignerd on Apr 2, 2009 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought we played a 1 gap 3-4

You always have to be one step ahead of your drunk friends
--Daisy Owl

by Viliphied on Apr 2, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

we did later on in the year, last season...

a forced move, since we don’t have a natural NT on the roster.

by shlecko on Apr 2, 2009 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

really?

I thought it was more of a change in style mandated by Sing. If we get Raji, I’d imagine we’d keep that style, and probably be pretty good at it.

You always have to be one step ahead of your drunk friends
--Daisy Owl

by Viliphied on Apr 2, 2009 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This.

I’m also of the believe that the switch was made because Franklin has never shown he’s a capable 2-gap NT.

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully to 10, and yes.

I hear that Sapp fellow was OK

You always have to be one step ahead of your drunk friends
--Daisy Owl

by Viliphied on Apr 2, 2009 2:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I was on the fence with Raji and this kills it for me. I was already questioning his talent with this being his only break out year and the fact he played next to guy in Brace who every team treated as BC’s top defender for half the college season.

Gee, I now have an explanation for his weight problem. Oh, and BJ Raji is no Warren Sapp. That’s insulting to Sapp . . . who was a great, great college player and not just a guy who grew into a good prospect come draft day.

by bignerd on Apr 2, 2009 3:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com

by supraman on Apr 2, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know if it kills it for me...

… but it definitely does take him down a few notches. What sucks is that by him possibly moving down the draft board, it’s one less possible player that probably would have been previously available to the 49ers.

by sfgfan on Apr 2, 2009 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is the real problem.

Someone else will move up if he drops, and with that kind of money at stake GMs may be reluctant to take the risk. He’ll still go in the 1st, but I’d pass at #10 and take Brace at #43 if his back checks out.

by MontanaPass on Apr 2, 2009 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

WHAT!? HE SMOKED WEED??????

I, for one, am absolutely SHOCKED and APPALLED at such nonsense.

"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."

by mikev on Apr 2, 2009 3:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes, but did he inhale?

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Apr 2, 2009 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'd package our 2nd to get back into the late teens/early 20s to get him

lets go for the “most needed BPA” at 10…he may potentially free fall if there are teams that have a solid DT or like us, have bigger needs to fill

by VD cant be Contained on Apr 2, 2009 3:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

who care

If my boi Randy Moss do it, it all good then. There is nothing wrong with lighting up some shiba once a while. lol

by warriorfan4life on Apr 2, 2009 4:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I’m not so anti-weed. Just worried about guys getting suspended from their job in the NFL because of it. When Sapp got popped I still knew he was a football player, the only worry was whether he would smoke during off day and end up getting suspended because of it. With Raji, I’m not so sure the guy is a football player or a guy with a football player’s body who decided to get his act together this last season because he saw a little pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Having to worry about that and a weed suspension issue really drops him down for me.

by bignerd on Apr 2, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also...

… it kind of brings up questions about his common sense. I know that residual stuff stays in your body for months, but you would think that he knew that, too? Risking millions of dollars that can help set your future for a few hours (or minutes?) of fun doesn’t seem like a very bright choice.

by sfgfan on Apr 2, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The problem is..

if you do it and get caught, you hurt the team by possibly getting suspended.

My boi Ricky Williams do it, it all bad.

+1 for bignerd again

http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com

by supraman on Apr 2, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

not good for BJ

especially after that interview came out where he looked kinda like a jerk. Clearly the guy has bad judgement. I’m not sold on this guy at all.

Still defending Rich Aurilia, and the Niners' classic unis

by wjackalope on Apr 2, 2009 4:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

good maybe he'll slip to 10

If you had a lineup of 9 Jack Custs who hit(Cust career average) .239 AVG, .382 OBP, and .475 SLG, then your team would score 6.12 runs per game-totalling to 991runs a season.The 08 rangers lead the majors in runs score with 901.

by 9Custs on Apr 2, 2009 4:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

bad maybe he'll slip to 10

Rather take the better DT on BC in the 2nd round (if he’s still there)

http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com

by supraman on Apr 2, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know it's VERY unlikely...

… but wouldn’t it be something for Brace to get taken before Raji? If it weren’t for his injury issues, I think it wouldn’t take much to make that happen.

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

more than unlikely

Brace has done nothing to help his draft stock since the college season ended. Athleticism and upside generally rules in round 1 and that’s why Raji is rated higher. Brace might be a better value pick at this point, but that’s all.

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Apr 3, 2009 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think...

.. that it sounds like if Brace didn’t have those injury concerns, he’d be a first round pick. Of course, I could be wrong, but a late first round pick for a potential starting NT sounds about right. Brace may not have helped him self, but at the very least he’s not shooting himself in the foot, leg, and crotch as Raji seems to be doing.

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Raji is garbage. I pray we dont get him

by june8thjrat on Apr 2, 2009 5:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I AM Selling

the 49ers taking Raji with the 10th pick. We have a NT playing for a new contract, yeah, motivated. It all depends on who has been taken. Do you take him if Brown from FSU is sitting there? How about Crabtree, Oher, or Maclin? I personally would take Brown form UCONN over this guy. He hasn’t played 2 gap too much, and he’s droppin dirty with ridiculous draft money out there. My goal as a college kid would be a top 3 pick and I’d be killing myself to do so. I’m not gonna be lax. It shows lazyness and being that he didn’t cvome into the year as THE GUY on the DL he’s merely Culpepper to Moss, a benefit for playing next to a Threat. I’d wait for Brace in the 2nd before getting this guy. I have changed my mind completely on Raji.

by rlott#42 on Apr 2, 2009 5:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Definitely worth a look if he's there

I personally think OT is the biggest position of need moving forward, in part at least to hedge our bets on Marvel Smith’s health. If Raji’s there at 10, though, he’d be worth taking a serious look at. It seems like one of the most important part of a 3-4 is having that huge, disruptive force in the middle and Raji fits the bill.

by Neon on Apr 2, 2009 5:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

How

because of the numbers?/ Meaning weight and everyone says he has athletic ability kinda like uuuuuuhhhhhhhhh Dorsey, right?? Our NT is in a contract year maybe 3rd round, if there is one there then.

by rlott#42 on Apr 2, 2009 7:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Unless it's coke or heroin

I say take him.

As a child of the sixties I find this drug testing stuff a bit tedious.

by Bob On The Coast on Apr 2, 2009 7:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It'll be interesting...

… to see if professional sports take Marijuana off the banned substances list if it becomes legalized for all. Not that I think that’ll happen (or at least, not any time soon).

by sfgfan on Apr 3, 2009 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Take him at 10?

I’m not sure. Not if Andre Smith is at 10.

If Smith is off the board, consider it. But please San Fran, try to trade down.

by Andrew Davidson on Apr 2, 2009 8:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

damn fooch, I get home and the first thing I do is check SI and I saw this so I went to NN to comment

but there’s already a front page post and tons of comments. I don’t know whether to be annoyed or happy that you’re so quick to the punch. I think happy…

I do think this means he could fall to 10, I sorta saw this coming because I thought his rise too resembled Alan Branch’s and I thought something would make him tumble.

by foosball4949 on Apr 2, 2009 9:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

oh yeah

and smoking pot? who the f$#& cares?

by foosball4949 on Apr 2, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Warren Sapp

had a failed drug test and he dropped, but would you pass on Warren Sapp?

I’m not saying BJ Raji will be as impactful as a Warren Sapp, but weed doesn’t really affect a player’s abilities. However, they do affect availability if busted during the regular season. They can cost their team games via suspension. Even in the offseason, what if a player gets pulled over with possession? Its harmful to themselves as professionals to be participating in illegal activities as a whole.

Is it unfair that weed is a banned substance? That’s another topic.

by Andrew Davidson on Apr 2, 2009 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

discipline

He also had to sit out the 2007 season b/c he was academically ineligible. Not that will drastically affect his career, but it’s something to keep in mind.

by Fooch on Apr 2, 2009 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

tough one

Do I think this will affect his stock if it is weed, no. Which owners do you think would let that prevent them from a good player. It is wishful thinking that he may fall to 10, but I doubt it. Do I thinhk it should affect his stock, yes, and here’s why. This guy knew the combine was coming up, and he knew he would have a drug test. This tells me that he is either too stupid to put off smoking out for a few weeks so he can maximize his stock, or that he just doesn’t care that much. Either way, not what I want

by Arkie49er on Apr 3, 2009 6:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Coach Sing is going to pass on the #1 QB

because of his answer to a question about his parents divorce, what makes ANYBODY think he’s going to grab a player with a bad work ethic and positive drug test? I’d be doing backflips to get either Crabtree or Maclin. Hell, I hope maybe they’d trade down, pick up a pick or two and grab Heyward-Bey.

Never forget Bill Walsh.

by montereyjosh on Apr 2, 2009 10:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That story about Stafford was utter horse[shit]

there is no way that a: stafford would fall to the niners or b: they would draft a QB. That was typical media over-blown crap

Extremely proud adoptive parent of Paul E. Stanley [insert witty comment]
Thanks to roger

by bondslegend on Apr 3, 2009 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

not to mention

missing the whole f*ing point of the question in the first place {Hint: They didn’t care how he handled the divorce}

You always have to be one step ahead of your drunk friends
--Daisy Owl

by Viliphied on Apr 3, 2009 1:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

I think the media has forgotten the whole 49ers 80’s-90’s era . . . mental examinations? Where did those come from?

by bignerd on Apr 3, 2009 1:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The psychologist

was played by Ralph Barbieri.

by Bob On The Coast on Apr 3, 2009 7:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol.

well done.

by Andrew Davidson on Apr 3, 2009 7:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

In a perfect world

In my opinion, crabtree falls to 10 and we take him. OT in 2, DT/Corner in 3/4. There is a QB Nathan Brown out of Central Arkansas who I would like to see us grab in the 5th (I’m a sentimental softie, cause that’s my Alma Mater, plus, I think he WILL translate to a pro game eventually) After that, I don’t care If no crabtree at 10, trade down for a mid 20’s and an extra 3rd or 4th and shift everthing up, so an OT in the first.

by Arkie49er on Apr 3, 2009 6:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs