The Detroit Lions hoped Titus Young would step up in his sophomore season to become a dangerous complement to wide receiver Calvin Johnson.
Instead, Young's considerable immaturity floated to the surface again. The final straw came in Week 11, when Young -- the team's second-round pick in the 2011 draft -- lined up in the wrong spot on the field multiple times against the Green Bay Packers. Reportedly, it was done in an act of defiance, leading to the team's decision to deactivate him a week later for conduct detrimental to the team.
He never played another snap before being placed on injured reserve two weeks later.
In a mysterious bit of timing, Young took to Twitter on Tuesday to both defend his actions in that loss to the Packers and express his wish to stay off the field if he's not an active part of Detroit's game plan going forward.
Though Young has had a continued supporter in veteran wideout Nate Burleson, it's clear the Lions have lost their patience. Center Dominic Raiola used an expletive to describe Young back in November and said the team had "moved on" from him. Last month, coach Jim Schwartz told media members that Young was scheduled for a knee procedure before adding, "unless he doesn't show up for it."
Young's tweets do nothing to enhance his already damaged reputation. He's writing a one-way ticket out of Detroit, while presenting himself as a risky option for the NFL's 31 other teams. Young has talent, but his attitude and behavior make him easy to pass on.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
