Past Could Haunt NFL Prospect Tony Washington

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In its evaluation of Abilene Christian tackle Tony Washington, Sporting News’ War Room reports:
Washington could go either way. He is an intriguing prospect because of his potential, but there is no doubt he is a project. While Washington could be a future starter, off-field issues will prevent him from being drafted. Which leads to the following question: What are these "off-field issues"?
In an exclusive story by SportsFanLive.com, the answer comes: Washington is a registered sex offender. And the site reports:
In May 2003, Washington was convicted of having sex with a relative that multiple NFL and college sources say was his 15-year old biological sister. The act was consensual, according to his college coaches and two NFL scouts, who spoke to him about the incident. The sister does not wish to speak publicly on the case, according to Washington’s agent, who added that the siblings are now on good terms and talk often. Washington received five years probation and did not serve jail time. "I made a mistake at the age of 16, and for that, I am deeply sorry," Washington told SportsFansLive.com. "I will not try and excuse or justify anything."
The site includes an image of Washington’s file from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
This news tarnishes a feel-good story about a small-school player who excelled at the NFL Combine. Washington is described as being from a "dysfunctional" family, whose life also was dreadfully affected by Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed his New Orleans home.
Given a second change by his college coaches—Mark Sartain, then at Trinity Valley Community College, and Chris Thomsen at Abilene Christian, SportsFanLive.com reporter Jenna Laine writes:
"Washington thrived on the football field. He became a two-time Division II All-American, was awarded the Lone Star South Division Offensive Player of the Year Award two years in a row and was a 2009 finalist for the Gene Upshaw Award (best Division II lineman, offensive or defensive)." That Washington has talent is obvious to those who saw him play and scouts who watched him at the Combine. That Washington made a monstrous mistake is doubtless.
SportsFanLive.com includes comments from a scout, who says:
"What disturbs me is that I don’t know if he sees anything wrong with it. He said where he comes from, this kind of thing happens all the time. I don’t think he’s at all ready for the rejection he’s about to face once people find out." What remains now is whether an NFL team will take a chance on him, either at the draft or as an undrafted free agent. Washington is a long-shot prospect, in SN’s War Room evaluation.