Right around this time of the year when the NFL Draft is fast approaching and folks chat about the event’s history, Ryan Leaf’s name always comes up.
It’s always used negatively -- with some going so far as to refer to him as the biggest bust in NFL history -- and always in reference to the dark side of taking highly touted college football prospects early.
We can now officially add another chapter to Ryan Leaf's sad, unfortunate biography.
According to NFL.com, the former first round draft pick was arrested last Friday for allegedly breaking into a home and trying to steal prescription pain medication. It’s being suggested that Leaf also broke into other homes in search of painkillers over the last year and change, and that his most recent arrest came after a month-long investigation by Montana authorities.
"We do have some information that this may not be an isolated incident," Chris Hickman, Central Montana Drug Force Commander said (via NFL.com).
His official charges currently stand as: burglary, possession of a dangerous drug and theft.
Remember, back in 2008, Leaf stood accused of robbing a player’s home during his stint as a coach at West Texas A&M. That whole ordeal ended with a plea bargain after an investigation showed that he had gotten almost 1,000 pain pills from local pharmacies over an eight-month span. As part of the plea bargain, Leaf got 10 years of probation.
According to NFL.com report, the prosecutor in that case will now file a motion to revoke Leaf's probation.
Following his arrest, Leaf was freed on $76,000 bail.
Late Friday night, he released this statement through his publicist (via ESPN)
"I've made some mistakes, and have no excuses," the statement read. "I am using the tools I've learned to move forward rather than backwards, and will be open to talking about the details in the days to come. I am confident that there will be further understanding when the facts are revealed, and feel very blessed for all of the support, especially from my friends and family."
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