Colt Lyerla, a former tight end for the Oregon Ducks, has been arrested on charges of cocaine possession. Lyerla played in three games this season, before withdrawing from the University of Oregon. He was arrested on Wednesday on a charge of unlawful possession of cocaine, as well as interfering with a police officer.
Lyerla, who was a junior at Oregon, informed his coach Mark Helfrich on Oct. 6 that he would be withdrawing from school.
Since then, he has continued working out for the 2014 NFL draft, where he was graded as the No.2 tight end on several draft boards.
His career with Oregon ended with 34 receptions for 565 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was forced to sit out for two games during the 2013 saeason due to a violation of team rules, and an illness. As a result, he only had 2 catches for 26 yards.
Oregon Duck TE Colt Lyerla who left the team this month, was arrested for cocaine. Was 2nd projected TE in next NFL draft. Not anymore.
— Adam Ritz (@AdamRitz) October 24, 2013
When Lyerla was caught, the detectives were reportedly working on an unrelated drug investigation when they noticed him in a parked car snorting what appeared to be cocaine. He was then contacted police and he admitted to using and possessing the drug.
Colt Lyerla's mugshot, courtesy of Lane County Sheriff's Dept. Arrested on charges of Unlawful Possession of Cocaine. pic.twitter.com/6Trat5A3Jk
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) October 24, 2013
He left the team earlier this month for what he said to be personal reasons. He told Oregon’s athletic website that his withdrawal had nothing to do with the suspension that he had received earlier in the season. In response to this situation, he said “I love everyone at Oregon; everyone’s on good terms, I believe.”
Saddened by the Colt Lyerla/cocaine story. So much God-given talent slipping away. Hope he gets help. #Ducks
— Bonnie Bernstein (@BonnieBernstein) October 24, 2013
After Colt Lyerla’s arrest for cocaine charges, he will likely have a hard time making it in the NFL any time soon. Whether he will be able to make it as a player in the NFL player is still to be determined, since people have been arrested for all sorts of things and have still been able to have successful careers, with Michael Vick as a great example.
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