Mitch Mustain arrested; time for your four pillars reminder

by Ryan Van Bibber on Feb 2, 2011 2:42 PM CST in 2011 NFL Draft

Another top tier QB talent has fallen from grace. Mitch Mustain didn't end up playing football at Arkansas beyond the 2006 season, as you might famously remember. He transfered to USC and started his career as a footnote.

Today Mustain was arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of selling prescription drugs online. Completing his fall from grace. Mustain got one start this year, against Notre Dame. He even got some work as a punter, trying to find a role on the team.

He didn't get an invite to the 2011 NFL Combine, which Chad Reuter included as one of his Combine snubs. Reuter remarked that Mustain "could have used the Combine to evaluate whether he could be the next Matt Cassel. His physical tools intrigue scouts more than two or three other signal callers getting the call."

Mustain's a good reminder of just how essential vetting players is. Yes, his story is on another level, but it does underscore why NFL teams spend so many resources scouting players' intangibles, i.e. making sure those unproven millionaires don't become just another cautionary tale. The Rams made the right call on Sam Bradford. Yes, he has the talent, but he also has the makeup to put that talent to good use. It's easy to laugh at the four pillars approach since the Rams do seem to hide behind it to their own detriment sometimes, but it can pay big dividends sometimes.

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Oh, Mitchie

Wherefore art thou so ’Stained?

Turf Show Times editor, Mocking the Draft writer, and I gots that Twitter too, yo.
"my keyboard won't corporate, neighter will my smell check."

by 3k on Feb 2, 2011 2:53 PM CST reply actions

isnt if ironic rams fans? how pete carroll decides it was “time” to move on from usc, inlight of the reggie bush fiasco? and all of a sudden, wave, after wave, of past/current usc players are popping up in the new’s, with allegations such as this? what kind of program was he really running? usc should be called…THE U.S.C. HURRICANES.

i bet pete’s trying to change the channel on his flat screen as we speak, thinking…damn! again!? i need to get out of here!

by Mark Jaramillo on Feb 2, 2011 4:03 PM CST reply actions

How does this have to do with Pete Carroll

The backup quarterback for USC gets caught selling presciption drugs, and that correlates to Pete Carroll how? That’s like saying Derrick Washington’s assault on a woman involves Gary Pinkel. What are you talking about?

by richter122 on Feb 2, 2011 6:14 PM CST up reply actions

Here's your 4-Pillars.

FIGHT ON TO THE SUPERBOWL!

"I was just letting the shots fly. You know, I don't leave any bullets in the chamber."

"Everything negative- pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise."

-Kobe Bryant

Chris Mortensen: "You know it's the 'Show-Me' State right Sam?"

"Pshh, 'Show Me.' (smirking) Yeah, I've heard that."

-Sam Bradford

by TrojanRam on Feb 3, 2011 9:58 PM CST up reply actions

As far as the 4 pillars goes ...

… I could care less if a kid got popped for a DUI, fighting outside a bar or was burning one up in the behind the gym. Sure, there are some crimes that are real red flags, but many aren’t that important, especially when you account for the age.

Rape, repeat substance abuse, gun charges … those are more severe.

That being said, when I personally talk about character with regards to an NFL player, I’m talking about work ethic, accountability, drive and an appropriate self image within a team concept.

Tampa Bay got Warren Sapp way later than they should have because he tested positive for dope. BFD. I think he worked out pretty well because he cared about his career and he cared about winning.

I suppose I’m rambling.

I can take a beating ... I'm a Rams fan.

by Midasknight on Feb 2, 2011 5:40 PM CST reply actions

I dont have a problem with the 4 pillars

I think the coach should be able to surround himself with like minded players and he hasnt. Look at Tennessee. They have had more than their fair share of “head cases” in recent years and Jeff Fischer was just shown the door. It may be a bit of a stretch to make that connection but I wouldnt rule it out.

by p stuby on Feb 2, 2011 6:19 PM CST reply actions

Four Pillars dead

Now that we hired a cheater as an OC. Spags is full of crap

Remember the great 2004 and 2005 Rams teams...

by Marmie is the best on Feb 2, 2011 6:43 PM CST reply actions

Pillars

I watched the HBO documentary about Vince Lombardi a few weeks back. When he talked about success and the NFL; Lombardi stated that success in the NFL is measured by winning. He acknowledged that pro football was a tough “business” that demanded results. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to build a winning pro team. I would think that with such an unforgiving and cutthroat world as pro football; certain decisions would involve taking on talent with with some flaws in character and/or judgement. Risk aversion is not a trait that ultra competitive individuals share. Tom Landry by most accounts was beyond reproach in regards to morality. Certain players on his team did not come close to this standard. “Out Of Control” is a tremendous book written by Thomas Henderson that details the not so virtuous side of himself and some of his teammates. In spite of this The Cowboys were winners. They managed to win with sinners as well as saints. I think that in a sport where NFL according to Jerry Glanville stands for " Not For Long", calculated risk on personnel is vital for success.

by ValdezY on Feb 2, 2011 9:49 PM CST reply actions