Cliff Harris once had a promising career. He was an All-American cornerback and returner with the Oregon Ducks, but several arrests got him booted from the team. On Sunday a disturbing mug shot was released showing the depths to which Harris has fallen.
In 2010, arguably the height of Harris' career, the now 25-year-old helped take the talented Ducks to a Bowl Championship Series national championship. He set single-season records for his punt return skills, including total yards (546), total touchdowns (4) and average yards (18). He also ranked eighth in passes broken up, with 30, Oregon Live reports.
Then things changed. Harris was suspended for the start of the 2011 season for team-rules violations. Months later, he was stopped by police while traveling 118 mph on a suspended license. An officer who approached Harris’ car reportedly smelled marijuana. The officer told Harris that he smelled weed, to which Harris replied, "We smoked it all," Oregon Live reports. He was dropped from the team later that year.
In 2012 Harris started his NFL career as a free agent. He was talented enough, even with his past problems, to get picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles, but he was cut after he and another man were caught smoking marijuana. Shortly after being released by the Eagles, he was arrested outside an Oregon Buffalo Wild Wings for domestic harassment. The woman did not press charges against Harris, according to Oregon Live.
Harris was arrested in December 2015 and sentenced to a year in jail after he reportedly set fire to a roadway median. The terms of his probation forbade him from using drugs and drinking. Harris was court-ordered to attend a drug-treatment and mental-health program.
On Sunday, Harris was arrested and charged with misdemeanor theft and possession of a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia. Early Monday morning, a mug shot of Harris was released showing the once promising player looking unkempt and his eyes askew.
While those on social media took jabs at the 25-year-old's appearance, we just hope he gets the help he needs.
Read more at Oregon Live.