Tyrann Mathieu leaving college football for NFL

Mathieu spoke with reporters in an effort to show how he is moving forward from his past problems, which include being dismissed from the LSU football team following a failed drug test and an arrest in October after authorities found marijuana in his apartment. The embattled star said he won’t give up in his effort to change people’s minds, no matter how long it takes:

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According to Rob Rang’s Twitter bio, he is a “Senior NFL Draft Analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, The Sports XChange and CBSSports.com.” He’s one of the most respected writers in the scouting business. And today he tweeted this:

1. This quick note is your reminder that people are the worst.

Unsurprisingly, former LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathieu is expected to enter the 2013 NFL Draft. By now, his spectacularly troubled college career is well-chronicled.

Mathieu starred as a freshman and sophomore for the Tigers, but was kicked off the team following a reported failed drug test. Mathieu sought treatment but he and three other former LSU players were charged with marijuana possession in October.

Mathieu tore apart the SEC West as a freshman and sophomore, breaking LSU’s school career forced fumbles record in just two seasons and breaking punt returns that sparked big 2011 wins over Arkansas and in the SEC Championship Game.

He’s as talented as any player in the country, but his list of bad decisions also rivals just about anybody’s. He’s what NFL people call “a character risk,” to say the least. But what a potential payoff.

Peterson’s father, Patrick Peterson Sr., said Friday that the “Honey Badger” has been staying at the family’s home in Coconut Creek, Fla., since Tuesday, and will be there indefinitely.

“He wanted to get away from what’s happening down there [in Baton Rouge, La.] and maybe away from some of the people he’s around. ... He’s a great kid,” Peterson Sr. told the Sun-Sentinel. “The kid is awesome. It’s just that his decision-making, sometimes, he gets caught up. Maybe me and him can hang out a little bit and I can talk to him and tell him exactly what he needs to understand about life and his career and his goals.”

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According to the report, officers obtained consent from Mathieu to search the apartment where the players were arrested. Below are a few other details from the police report:

Officers were dispatched to an apartment after a complaint of a man attempting to force his way through a security gate. That man was later identified as former LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson.