Ecstasy is worse than pot, right?
We all agree with that. There aren’t states legalizing ecstasy. It isn’t a misdemeanor anywhere?
Why, then, is Tampa Bay’s Noah Spence getting more forgiveness for his errors than Miami’s Laremy Tunsil is for his?
Well, the timing, for one. The imagery. The surrounding controversy. All of it is working against Tunsil, at one time ranked as the top player in the NFL draft.
Spence’s addiction is old news. He’s discussed it openly, repeatedly and, yes, convincingly. He has sent his last 20 drug tests – all clean – to NFL teams. He didn’t complain when he went in the second round to the Bucs, although everyone agrees he had first round talent.
The shocking images of Tunsil, however, were sprung late on the NFL. There he was in that gas mask that served as a bong, and there he plummeted. He didn’t go until 13th, a fall that cost have cost him as much as $7 million.
Then there is this: Tunsil skipped his press conference, supposedly because of “allergies.” He has suggested he was paid at Ole Miss. His step-father and he have an open feud.
And so on. All of the allegations are fresh, which means the questions have only started.
Eventually, both players will have to prove that becoming rich won’t affect them. They’ll have to use their falls as motivation for the future. Other players have done it. Now, it’s their turn.
Who knows? Both situations may pay off for their Florida teams.
But when they eventually play each other, which player are you betting on?
