Did the Baton Rouge Police Hurt La’el Collins Draft Chances?
La’el Collins dreams finally came true. This week, Collins signed with the Dallas Cowboys for a guaranteed contract of 1.65 million dollars.
More from LSU Tigers
- Mississippi State vs. LSU: Line, Prediction, TV Channel & Live Stream for SEC Football
- LSU Tigers fall to Florida State in week one opener
- LSU falls to Florida State, 45-24, as Tigers have clear issues
- LSU vs. Florida State: Line, Prediction, TV Channel & Live Stream for 2023 Camping World Kickoff
- Florida State vs. LSU: 2023 Week 1 SEC football game preview
The Cowboys got a bargain considering the fact that the LSU standout was supposed to be a high draft choice, but because of a police investigation into his former pregnant girlfriend’s death, Collins wasn’t even drafted. Unintentionally or not, Collins was thought to be a prime suspect in the investigation by the Baton Rouge police department which almost cost him everything.
So not surprisingly, when the Cowboys held a press conference yesterday to announced his signing, it was a highly emotional one for not only Collins and his family, but for Jerry Jones as well.
“This is not your typical undrafted free agent, ” Jones said to start the press conference (via ESPN.com). “La’el had an unfortunate circumstance not of his doing that kept him from being drafted in the first round and prevented him from having this moment. And we wanted him to have this moment here today.”
You have to wonder what was going through the BRPD heads when they decided a week before the biggest moment in this kid’s life to basically name him as a suspect in a murder.
I understand they were just trying to do their job, but don’t you think they could have waited a few days or at least a few hours? They almost ruin this kid’s life and yet, he has gotten no word of apology.
No oops, we’re sorry. According to Pro Football Weekly there is a reason why the BRPD didn’t issue an apology; Collins hasn’t been officially cleared yet and may never be cleared. But the same reports say that apparently the Cowboys and 25 other NFL teams were satisfied that Collins had nothing to do with this murder investigation and that’s why he was signed.
I’m not saying there is a conspiracy between the police and the NFL, but I do find it strange that Collins went undrafted and then picked up by the Cowboys at a discount price.
Collins didn’t seem to mind. He wanted to be a Cowboy anyway and yesterday, his wish was granted.
“I couldn’t be in a greater situation,” Collins said. “I couldn’t be in a greater place. I just want to thank Mr. Jones, his family, this organization and everybody that is standing behind me because I guarantee you this: I’m going to give this organization everything I have and more. This is going to be the best offensive line in NFL history. Mark my words.”