Quote Originally Posted by Guiness View Post
I know he didn't qualify, but the landscape has changed pretty significantly. The 'say Hannibal Lector had an eating disorder' comment is no longer true. The Seahawks have said they would not have drafted Frank Clarke if he had charges pending - he got off with a minor fine, but if that hadn't been resolved in time for the draft, what would've happened to him?

I think players should be able to voluntarily withdraw from the draft if there are non-football issue that affect their draft status - and cost them a whole pile of money.
Sounds like a perfect storm scenario. First off, tragically, two people are no longer with us, including a baby. The timing for Collins is very unfortunate, but it is what it is.

There should be a rule or regulation that is collectively bargained that allows for a player to withdraw, even at a late stage, possibly due to circumstances beyond the individual's control.

First off, if he has any emotional connection to Brittany Mills, he should be allowed to be a human being and grieve her loss. But also, if he becomes more than just a person of interest to the authorities, then he would have more than just football to worry about. Let him take a step back, get things sorted out, while protecting his draft stock and earning power by letting him go back in the draft the next year.

If he can't because it turns out he was directly involved, then good for the league and the team that may have mistakenly drafted him. If he wasn't at all involved, then he gets another shot at the guaranteed money he will now miss out on. The only down-side is having to sit out.