OXNARD, Calif. -- Los Angeles Rams quarterback Nick Foles wasn't the only player missing from the team's second organized team activity on Wednesday.
Running back Tre Mason and safety T.J. McDonald, both of whom are dealing with legal issues after offseason incidents, were not present for either of the team's first two OTAs. In fact, Rams coach Jeff Fisher indicated that McDonald and Mason would not be present for any of the team's upcoming practices in the final phase of the offseason program.
"Tre Mason, who has been excused for personal reasons," Fisher said. "Second is T.J. McDonald, and that’s also the case – he’s been excused for personal reasons, and we’ve been in touch with T.J. It is quite likely that they will miss the OTA sessions.”
Mason was arrested in early March on suspicion of possession of marijuana, reckless driving, failure to register a motor vehicle and resisting arrest in Hollywood, Fla. According to court records, Mason pleaded not guilty to those misdemeanor charges in April and is awaiting a "calendar call" on July 28 after his attorney requested a continuance in May. A calendar call gives the parties and their lawyers an opportunity to let the court know when they are ready to proceed with a trial. At the time they are ready, the court can then set a trial date.
McDonald was arrested in May on suspicion of driving under the influence of something other than alcohol. McDonald's court date was originally scheduled for Friday. He's also coming off a shoulder injury that cost him the final few weeks of the season. He missed five games total, finishing with 62 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Without Mason and McDonald, there are extra repetitions for the likes of running backs Benny Cunningham, Malcolm Brown and Aaron Green as well as safeties such as Maurice Alexander and a handful of undrafted rookies.
