Tyrann Mathieu has not dodged questions regarding his failed drug tests at LSU. But that's the cornerback talking about his own situation.
Mathieu has taken issue with an unnamed NFL assistant who recently told USA Today reporter Jarrett Bell that the cornerback admitted to at least 10 failed drug tests. The coach went on to partially blame LSU for allowing Mathieu to fail so often before taking action.
"It is irresponsible and shows a lack of integrity for anyone to disclose medical information regardless of how it was gathered," Mathieu said Friday in a statement provided to the university, which LSUSports.net published. "I would expect that conversations regarding my drug testing history during the course of my medical treatment would be private. LSU has a strong drug testing program and LSU went to great lengths to help me in my treatment and recovery.
"I understand that many people enjoy reading about the negative side of sports, but to publish those second-hand comments without being given a chance to address that comment prior to publication of the article is irresponsible."
Mathieu does have a point in regard to the coach detailing the failed tests. No one would want their private conversations with a possible employer being repeated to others.
Mathieu stuck up for LSU, and Joe Alleva, vice chancellor and director of athletics, also defended the school's substance-abuse program in a statement. But the coach has a point if it indeed took 10 failed tests before steps were taken.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
