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North Carolina

Report: UNC's Tate failed drug test at NFL combine

By Ryan Craig

Apr 22, 2009

Brandon Tate tested positive for marijuana at February's NFL combine, two sources told FOXSports.com Tuesday night.

The former North Carolina wide receiver and kick returner didn't work out at the combine this year because he was still recovering from knee surgery after tearing two ligaments during his senior season.

Tate, who finished his career with an NCAA-record 3,523 career combined kick-return yards, suffered a season-ending injury to his knee while returning a first-quarter punt against Notre Dame last season.

Before the injury, Tate was having a remarkable senior season. The 6-foot-1 pass-catcher was averaging nearly 24 yards per reception on 16 grabs through five games, while also gaining 143 yards on 11 carries on the ground.

North Carolina Head Coach Butch Davis appeared on The Insiders on 99.9-FM, The Fan ESPN Radio Wednesday afternoon and said the he had not received any official notification from the NFL about a positive test from Tate.

"To be honest, I don't know anything (about it)", said Davis. " The NFL has always traditionally notified the player and the coaches. ... And we haven't received any notification, so basically I don't really have anything I can add to the rumors."

Most scouts had Tate pegged as an early round pick before his injury, and even a mid-rounder afterwards. If reports of his failed test are true, he may not be drafted at all.

The FOXSports.com article also says that former Florida superstar Percy Harvin reportedly failed the same drug test.