Drug Testing Terms for Mathieu: Drafted by Cardinals for $3 Million (VIDEO)
Tyrann Mathieu could be subject to up to 10 drug tests a month as part of a new contract that he has signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
Mathieu attended Louisiana State University where he became a finalist for the Heisman trophy in 2011, but was dismissed by the college team in 2012 over allegations that he had repeatedly failed drug tests. The Cardinals however, have decided to take their chances on Mathieu's past.
The NFL team drafted the free safety on Thursday during third round picks. The player has signed a four-year contract with the Cardinals, but according to sources is already being sent to the NFL drug-testing program. Under the program, Mathieu could face up to 10 drug tests a month the ESPN reported.
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But despite being offered an opportunity, the player's past will still come back to haunt him. Picked 69th overall, Mathieu had signed on for only 35 percent of what the normal slot would be. With a sign on bonus of $265,000 upfront, he wont see any of the rest of his money until later on in his career and only if he passes all of his drug tests.
The offer is less than any player has received in the past five years, NFL reporter Ian Rapoport said. Over the term of the contract, Mathieu will make an estimated $3 million.
"This shows they don't trust him yet. They're going to make him earn it," an executive from a rival team told the NFL.com.
