Cleveland Browns: What to make of Antonio Callaway?

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Antonio Callaway has provided fans with a glimpse of greatness, and also a glimpse of great worry.

On the field, Antonio Callaway has shown spectacular speed and ability for the Cleveland Browns. Off the field, he has demonstrated a lack of judgement and cause for significant concern.

Recently cited for marijuana possession, the worries seem to be piling up for the potential star wideout. While one mishap is easily acceptable, this follows a dilluted urine sample at the NFL Combine and his admittance of smoking pot within weeks of the combine.

His own explanation for the recent citation is that he was unaware of the small amount of marijuana under his seat, as his friends were using his car until just a short time prior to the ordeal. While that may well be the case, it was certainly avoidable, and demonstrates an immature lapse in judgement and professionalism.

I don’t know about you, but if my “friends” were to put me in such a position, they would certainly no longer find themselves in the “friends” category. I truly hope the young man sees this as an opportunity to distance himself from his troubled past and troublesome acquaintances.

I give credit to the Browns organization for standing by Callaway while the details sort themselves out. Every kid must learn how to grow into a man and each walk of life provides its own unique set of challenges. Having the organization stand behind him, this time, will help him become who he wants to be, if he decides to do so. The ball is placed back in his court, so to speak. Any further issues and I do not see him receiving much support from anyone.

This situation also brings the troubles of Josh Gordon front and center. Speculation is all that I can offer and, as such, I will keep my own thoughts to myself. But for now, it makes one wonder what exactly is going on.

I will offer that the range of possibilities is endless. It could be as bad as we can all imagine, or it could be as simple as an honest mistake that will be soon forgotten. Alternatively, it could be anywhere in-between.

I have been very outspoken about marijuana usage in the NFL, and while I feel the NFL policies regarding it urgently need reformed, I also feel that players should suck it up, follow the rules, and realize they are at work. If smoking pot is your thing and your job doesn’t allow it, your options are to find a new career, or quit smoking. Until the NFL decides otherwise, that is how it is.

The details of Callaway’s citation are clear. He did indeed have marijuana in his possession. Whether he knew about it or was smoking it is anyone’s guess. I would assume he also has had a drug test since then, so we should get some insight into the NFL’s reaction at some point.

Following the first preseason game and Callaway’s remarkable debut, Browns fans are now fully invested into the young man. If he can keep his head on straight and avoid further issues, the sky is the limit. Otherwise, so be it.