Collins was slapped with a five-game ban for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Shane Roper-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys RT La'el Collins reportedly tried to bribe NFL drug-test collector

Dallas Cowboys right tackle La'el Collins was suspended after trying to bribe an NFL drug-test collector, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Players can't be suspended for positive marijuana tests under the league's collective bargaining agreement, but Collins' problem was multiple missed tests and trying to bribe the test collector, Schefter adds. 

Collins has since been suspended five games. However, his lawyer is trying to appeal the decision. According to Schefter's league sources, Collins' suspension likely won't be reduced. 

Collins served the first game of his suspension last Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers and will also miss Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. If his suspension is not reduced, he won't be eligible to return until Oct. 18. 

The suspension will cost Collins about $2 million and voids the $6.48 million injury guarantee on his 2022 salary, per Schefter.

Collins believes his missed drug tests were due to excused absences, Schefter reported last week.

The 28-year-old missed a test last November after the Cowboys were sent home when strength and conditioning coach Markus Paul died. He also missed a test the same day of his uncle's funeral.

Dallas reportedly gave Collins permission to leave the team to be with his family for the funeral. In addition, Collins missed a test last October the day he had hip surgery.

The LSU product has spent his entire six-year career with the Cowboys. He has started 62 of the 63 games he has played for the Cowboys since 2015 at left guard or right tackle.

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