Falcons’ Collins gets PED penalty
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — For the second straight year, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
will be suspended for the start of the season for a violation of the league's policy on performance enhancers.
This time, the suspension carries a bigger bite: 10 games.
The NFL announced Sunday that Collins has been suspended without pay for the first 10 games of the 2017 season. He was suspended for the first four games in 2016.
Collins, a second-round pick in 2015, has said he failed drug tests at Louisiana State.
The suspension will be costly to the Falcons’ depth. Collins started six games last season and had two interceptions. He moved into the lineup after star cornerback
was placed on IR with a torn pectoral muscle.
Collins will be eligible to return to the active roster following the team's game against Seattle on Nov. 20.
Falcons general manager said he and coach
face “decisions going forward,” which could affect Collins' future with the team.
“We are extremely disappointed that for the second straight season we are dealing with a suspension for Jalen,” Dimitroff said in a statement released by the team. “Such are the consequences when certain choices are made. Our decisions going forward will be based on what Dan and I feel is best for the team.” Trufant and
are the projected starting cornerbacks in Atlanta’s base defense this season. CANTON, Ohio — As he so often did on the field,
stole the show.
With a powerful speech calling for “Team America” to be a place for inclusion and opportunity, the great running back of the San Diego Chargers was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday night.
The 2017 roster of entrants into the shrine was deeply impressive: fellow running back quarterback defensive end safety placekicker
and Cowboys owner
All spoke eloquently, with bursts of humor and heartwarming stories.
But Tomlinson's words resonated so strongly that he drew several standing ovations not only from the crowd of 13,400, but from his now-fellow Gold Jackets.
“Football is a microcosm of America,” Tomlinson said.
“All races, religions and creeds, living, playing, competing side by side. When you're part of a team, you understand your teammates — their strengths and weaknesses — and work together toward the same goal, to win a championship.
“Let's not choose to be against one another. Let's choose to be for one another.
“I pray we dedicate ourselves to being the best team we can be, working and living together, representing the highest ideals of mankind. Leading the way for all nations to follow.”