ESPN's Jemele Hill recently did an interview with former Lions WR Charles Rogers. Hill talks to Rogers on certain topics, such as the rise and fall of his NFL career, his drug abuse and what he's currently been doing to better his life.

Hill (who looks great, by-the-way) does a great job of attacking Rogers with the questions the public wanted to know. At times, Rogers hesitates before answering a few questions, and even beats around the bush on occasion (i.e. when Hill asked Rogers did he smoke weed first thing each morning), but eventually answered the questions at hand. Hill also talks to former Lions GM Matt Millen about his decision to pick Rogers #2 overall in the 2003 draft.

Back in the spring, I did a blog about the biggest draft busts since 2000, and Rogers was my #1 pick. Never did I see a guy with so much talent and potential take such a nose dive in his career as Rogers. The 28 year old father of 7 would like a chance at redemption and play again in the NFL. Now, if Brett Favre can un-retire 3 times in as many years then anything is possible. But I'm not so sure Rogers will be looked at as anything more than a liability.

Check out the story. Again, kudos to Jemele Hill for this story. Very interesting. As for Rogers... well, the UFL may be a better place to start on the road to redemption.

Okay guys and gals.... time for the #1 player on the Frivolous Five list ci. 2000. Because there are enough busts to go around, I chose the new millennium to focus on, mainly because they had enough busts of their own. Joey Harrington ring a bell??? Freddie Mitchell aka "Fred Ex"... HA! There were plenty to discuss in this decade alone... so with that said let's go to our #1 draft bust ci. 2000.





#1 Charles Rogers- WR, Michigan State
#2 Overall Pick b Detroit Lions, 2003



Remember when Charles Rogers was coming out of Michigan State, and folks compared him to Randy Moss with his athletic talent? Somewhere right now, Randy Moss is either laughing it up or highly offended. Rogers wishes right now that he had the same ability as Moss's pinkie finger.

Rogers did start off strong, with 243 yards and 3 TD in his first 5 games in 2003. But then he broke his collarbone during a practice drill and was placed on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

The following year, his collarbone broke AGAIN, during Week 1 of the 2004 season. He was out for yet another season.

In 2005, Rogers was suspended for 4 games under the NFL's substance abuse policy (his 3rd violation). Guess someone didn't tell him that the NFL isn't NCAA football, and he gets tested random and often in the big leagues. All of a sudden, the Lions snapped. After not making any contributions on the field, they filed a grievance asking for $10 million back, that he received in bonuses. But the Lions aren't off the hook. Reports later came out that Rogers failed drug tests every year at Michigan St. Ummmm... please explain to me, how you draft a player from your own backyard, yet not know that he failed drug tests every year in college. Stupid is as stupid does, I guess.....

Let's take a look at his short career stats. He has 36 receptions for 440 yds and 4 TDs total. Nothing to write home about. Actually it's something more to be ashamed of, especially as the #2 overall pick. Dismal is too kind of a word for his career numbers. They are flat out awful.


In 2006, Rogers was finally released by the Lions. While he did try to get work elsewhere, no one wanted him. Rogers was uninspiring. He had gained weight, and slowed down. Two things a WR shouldn't do. Since then, he fell off the face of the NFL earth. Rogers has recently been jailed for violating probation in a domestic violence case. Rogers chose to be locked up with credit for 15 days served, instead of staying in an intensive drug program. So sad.

Since 2000, Charles Rogers is the biggest bust in the history of the NFL. Never was a player so hyped for greatness, only to succumb to injury and failed drug tests like him. The sad thing is, Detroit basically didn't learn much from their mistakes, drafting WR Mike Williams in 2004 and WR Roy Williams in 2005.


Mike Williams was traded to the Raiders in 2007 and Roy Williams was traded to the Cowboys in 2008. Guess they didn't learn the first time.......