Don't know what made me think of this, but has anyone seen Damien James, the former LSU free safety. We all know why he didn't finish his career, but I wonder if he ever got help, etc. That guy was a great athlete and would be playing on Sundays right now, if he would have followed the straight and narrow. Also, got me thinking - where is Brad Smalling at now the 6'8' 320lb. offensive lineman that played for LSU a few years.
He was going to fail a drug test so he just dropped out of site and never spoke to the coaches again.
Damien James was still playing football in the CFL for the Toronto Argonauts. He was signed in April 2004. http://www.argonauts.ca/ArgosNews04/0408.html He was then cut at the end of May 2004... http://www.canoe.ca/ArgosNews04/0523b.html
Another life ruined by illegal drugs. This kid had the potential to be a NFL starting player and now he doesn't have what it takes to play for the CFL. Am I reading too much into this to conclude that he ruined his athletic career with his drug use?
Yeah. We really don't have any idea why he's not in the CFL anymore. Maybe he was coked up everyday and got cut. Or maybe he was in the best shape of his life, had left behind whatever problems he got into while he was here, and just didn't make it for some totally unrelated reason.
Saban offered him a scholly to come back Last I heard in Dec 2003, Saban had offered to help him come back to school and even promised that he could come back on scholarship. http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/7432581.htm
If he would've taken up Saban's scholarship offer, would he still be eligible to play football? I think I remember Saban letting him participate in Pro Day at LSU a few years ago. I bet he was out of shape and didn't raise any eyebrows then. But obviously he is trying to get back into the sport with the CFL. Do you think this was his first time trying out since he left LSU? Seems like everyone tried to lend a helping hand. Everyone cares for the kid, and he just seems lost. He should really talk to Saban and get some direction. Nick has connections too, and DJ could get his foot in somewhere. I know he has the talent to play on Sunday's, he just has to knock some of that rust off. I played high school football with him, same district, and i really hope finds his way.
