Houston (CBS HOUSTON) – It hasn’t been a banner offseason for second-year Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong.
The wideout was arrested in Scottsdale last month, and the incident — which included Strong hiding joints in the crotch of his pants — was captured on video and shared widely across social media.
Strong called the legal trouble, “pretty embarrassing,” but felt like it isn’t a death blow to his career.
“Forget about me, but for my family and for the Houston Texans, too,” Strong said. “I’ve talked to my teammates about it. It’s a setback, but I’ve had plenty of setbacks. I’m ready to put it all out on the field.”
Strong said the legal status and potential league punshiment is still uncertain at the moment.
“It’s up in the air right now,” Strong said. “No one really knows what’s going on right now,” he said. “But I’m here, ready to work, to be the best player I can be for the Texans.”
Strong was with a former Arizona teammate in a black Maserati when the police stopped them for not having visible license plates. Strong was cited for possession and booked into the county jail that night. The case is still to be heard, and the wide receiver has not faced a plea hearing yet.
Strong came on strong at the end of the 2015 season, catching 14 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in the final three games of the regular season.
He did get a chance to work with new Texans’ QB Brock Osweiler earlier this month, as his fellow former ASU alum brought four Houston wideouts and backup QB Tom Savage to Arizona for informal workouts. Strong came away impressed with Osweiler’s ability and leadership.
“He suggested we all go out there, get together, enjoy some nice weather and get some work in,” Strong said. “Hang around each other, bond and get familiar with each other. I feel like Brock will be a great leader.”
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
