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Another hit coming for Laremy Tunsil?

By The Sports Xchange
Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil holds his jersey after being selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 13th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 28, 2016 in Chicago. Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI
Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil holds his jersey after being selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 13th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 28, 2016 in Chicago. Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI | License Photo

Laremy Tunsil could take another hit from the social media firestorm during the 2016 NFL Draft.

Tunsil, drafted 13th overall by the Miami Dolphins, is still being reviewed within the NFL drug program and could begin his career classified as a previous offender, contrary to reports Monday by ESPN that Tunsil was not in the program.

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"The reports regarding Laremy Tunsil's status are inaccurate," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement to USA Today Tuesday. "Any incoming player with behavior or conduct involving a substance of abuse will be evaluated by the program's advisors. Those clinical professionals - not the club, league or union - will determine whether based on that evaluation the player should be entered into the program. Neither the club nor the league has a role in that process, and are not notified of their decision."

Tunsil was rated the No. 1 offensive tackle, and one of the three best players, in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com.

The video released via Twitter as the draft began showed Tunsil smoking a substance with a gas mask bong, and then removing the mask.

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Ramifications of the video, which Tunsil insists appeared only after his social media accounts were hacked, were being sorted out by teams as the first round of the draft progressed. Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome reportedly removed Tunsil from the draft board in real time and the Ravens drafted Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley sixth overall.

Tunsil went to Miami only after general manager Chris Grier had the approval of team owner Stephen Ross. Ross said Sunday that the team's security officials determined the video to be at least two years old.

Players in the first stage of the program are subject to a treatment plan and testing for substances of abuse as often as necessary. Additional failed tests or diluted samples can lead to a player advancing to Stage 2 and 3, where the punishment ranges from fine to suspension.

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