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Jets’ first-round pick Mekhi Becton is ready to move past his flagged drug test at the NFL draft combine in February.
Becton’s flagged test landed him in Stage 1 of the NFL’s program for drug use. Becton must now complete 60 days in the program without failing a single drug test — something he vows will not be an issue.
“Just a young mistake,” Becton told reporters of the flagged test. “It was a one-time mistake and it’s never going to happen again.”
It came as a surprise when news of Becton’s flagged drug test surfaced, as he never had any such issues throughout his college career. Vince Tyra, Louisville’s athletic director, even went to bat for Becton, praising his character.
“I’m sure he’ll address it properly,” Tyra said. “He is terrific. He’s a great talent, but I will tell you he’s an awesome person. I would tell you it would be a surprise if he had a failed test. He’s just been a model student-athlete for us. I’m not worried about him. He is going to have a great career. I don’t think he’s going to be trouble for any teams.”
As long as he completes the NFL’s program for drug use, Becton will not be subject to punishment by the league. That opens the door for him to begin 2020 as one of New York’s starters at tackle if he progresses as Joe Douglas and company expect throughout the offseason.