Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu is all too familiar with working through drug-related issues.
Mathieu was kicked off the football team at LSU prior to the 2012 season due to “a violation of team rules” that stemmed from repeated drug test failures. Mathieu entered a drug rehabilitation program and ultimately declared himself eligible for the 2013 NFL Draft, where he was selected in the third round by the Cardinals.
Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon is reportedly facing a one-year suspension for repeated violations of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. While he is appealing that decision, Gordon was also arrested in North Carolina over the weekend for a DUI.
Mathieu appeared on NFL Network’s “Total Access” show on Tuesday and said ultimately Gordon is going to have to figure things out for himself.
“Well, me having been through it, and having a little bit of experience with that, I don’t think anybody in the world can possibly tell him anything,” Mathieu said. “No one could tell me anything when I was going through it. I had to figure that out for myself.
“Hopefully, he will get the point. Hopefully, he will get the message. But, most of the time it takes people to hit rock bottom for them to start believing in themselves, and start seeking help. A lot of people could reach out to you, but that doesn’t mean you always take that help, take that advice. He just has to want it for himself.”
While he admits it’s still a process, Mathieu has managed to get his life turned in the right direction. It remains to be seen when, and if, Gordon is able to get his own life figured out.