Missouri defensive end/outside linebacker Shane Ray, a top draft prospect who was cited Monday for marijuana possession, is now automatically enrolled in the behavioral portion of Phase 1 of the NFL's substance abuse program, sources tell ESPN's Mark Dominik.
The move, which is determined by doctors independent of the NFL or the NFL Players Association, means Ray will not face any league discipline but is subject to random drug testing. The portion of the program he is enrolled in is designed to modify his behavior as it relates to substance abuse. That is a result of Ray's being charged not for using marijuana but for possession of the substance.
Ray, who was projected as a top-10 pick, was charged after a traffic stop early Monday near Columbia, Missouri. This issue, combined with a turf toe injury he suffered in the Citrus Bowl, has fueled speculation that Ray could drop as low as the third round of this week's draft.
Last week, Ray told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that he has seen a doctor and does not need surgery on his toe, but that given time, the toe can be rehabbed. But Mortensen reports that some teams' medical staffs still believe Ray might need surgery.
The NFL Network, using pre-draft information obtained by five teams, is reporting that Ray tested positive for marijuana use during his early playing days at Missouri.
Doctors who assess whether a player is put into the NFL's drug program are allowed to go back and look at testing for two college seasons. It is unclear whether that occurred in Ray's case or when he might have tested positive at Missouri.
Ray, on Monday night, apologized for the citation, saying he will "make better decisions" in the future.
Agent Tony Fleming told ESPN's Josina Anderson that Ray is keeping his plans to attend the NFL draft.