Agent says Zach Mettenberger's diluted combine sample is because of water intake
The agent for former LSU QB Zach Mettenberger said the quarterback had a diluted sample at the NFL combine drug test because of excessive water intake.
A diluted sample is treated like a positive test in the NFL. Mettenberger tore his left ACL in LSU's final regular season game of 2013 and has been rehabbing the injury as he prepares for the draft. As part of that rehabilitation, his agent, Joe Linta, said he was told to drink lots of water to help prevent severe cramping issues he was having.
"The kid didn't do anything wrong," Linta told CBS Sports. "He was doing what the doctor told him to do."
He also told CBS there were "zero trace levels" found in Mettenberger's sample.
Mettenberger's physical therapist said in a letter that the quarterback was to drink 1-1.5 gallons of water a day to combat the issues. Based off the letter, the NFL has the power to rescind the diluted sample and Mettenberger would not be entered into the league's drug program.
Mettenberger is regarded as a possible second-round pick in the draft, which begins on Thursday night. He threw for 3,082 yards, 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
According to Fox Sports, former LSU DT Anthony Johnson was also listed as failing a drug test.
Three Florida State players are reportedly on the list too, including DT Timmy Jernigan. Jernigan had 4.5 sacks last year as a key member of Florida State's defensive line. The other two players were Christian Jones and Telvin Smith. Miami OT Seantrel Henderson was reported to also be on the list.
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is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @NickBromberg
