Warren Sapp, a former University of Miami star and potential No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, failed drug tests at the league's scouting combine last month, sources said.
The New York Times, citing unidentified club executives, said in today's editions that the defensive lineman failed cocaine and marijuana tests in Indianapolis, the showcase for college talent heading to the NFL. ESPN, citing two league executives, said Sapp tested positive for marijuana.A half dozen club and league executives, who asked not to be identified, told The Associated Press at the NFL meetings on Monday night that Sapp and as many as seven players failed marijuana tests.
"I really don't have anything to say until I talk to the league and the people surrounding this issue," Sapp's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said. "And once I do Warren and myself will have a comment."
ESPN also said Sapp was one of seven players who tested positive for marijuana.
The network identified the others as Miami running back James Stewart, Ohio State linebacker Lorenzo Styles, Mississippi State offensive lineman Jesse James, Auburn running back Brian Robinson and cornerback Chris Shelling and Wisconsin receiver Lee DeRamus.
The Times also reported that Stewart, a possible first-round pick, failed a marijuana test.
DeRamus' agent, Robert DePersia, said last Friday that his client had tested positive for marijuana. DePersia called the result "a false positive." He said that the result could be attributed to excessive amounts of herbal tea and prescription medication taken for a leg injury and the flu.
Sapp declared himself eligible for the draft after his junior year at Miami. He was an All-America defensive tackle and won the Lombardi Award as the country's best lineman. He was sixth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy and led the Hurricanes in sacks and fumbles forced.
According to NFL policy, a college player who declares himself eligible for the draft and subsequently tests positive for a banned substance is automatically entered into the league's drug program once he signs a contract. Testing positive, however, does not prevent a player from entering the league.
Sapp and Stewart, also a junior, made themselves eligible for the draft shortly after Miami lost the Orange Bowl to Nebraska.
The expansion Carolina Panthers hold the first draft pick, followed by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and it was uncertain how the drug reports would affect Sapp's status. Penn State running back Ki-Jana Carter and Alcorn State quarterback Steve McNair are also possible No. 1 picks.
Several club executives contacted by the AP said they did not think Sapp's positive marijuana tests would hurt him significantly in the draft.