First a torn pectoral removed defensive tackle Phil Taylor from the Cleveland Browns defensive game plan for most of the 2012 season. If that wasn’t enough, now there are potential problems for another defensive tackle for the Browns. But this time the issues are legal. The Player in question this time is Kiante Tripp.

DT/DE Kiante Tripp was picked up by Cleveland last season as an undrafted free agent as a practice squad player. By November of last season Tripp had been promoted to the active roster and had the opportunity to get in some playing time.

Tripp was arrested and charged with burglary and possession of a firearm in College Park Georgia according to WAGA-TV in Atlanta this past Tuesday. According to Police Tripp and two others were arrested on Sunday after allegedly threatening individuals in an apartment prior to “ransacking” the premises.

In addition, information about the incident claims Tripp and the other men were looking for a man who had stolen money from them. Investigators also stated that Tripp and the other two involved were armed with guns during the burglary.

Tripp’s lawyer does not seem concerned about the charges facing his client. In fact he is confident that the charges against his client will be dropped all together.

"While an incident did occur that Mr. Tripp was present at the scene of an alleged crime, Mr. Tripp's involvement was in a substantially diminished degree from that which was reported," Tripp's lawyers stated to Scout.com. "Though charged with burglary and possession of a weapon, Mr. Tripp never entered the residence of the alleged victim and the allegations of a weapon being involved are totally unsubstantiated speculation."

  Tripp is not a big piece of the puzzle for the Browns but with Taylor’s injury, any additional problems at that defensive tackle position spell nothing but trouble. And even if Tripp’s charges are dropped, it does not mean that the NFL or the Browns themselves may take matters into their own hands. Superstar players like “Packman” Jones, Plaxico Burress, and Michael Vick are at such a caliber they get multiple chances despite off the field issues. Players like Tripp however who are struggling to make the team may simply just find himself cut if the cost outweighs the benefit of having him on the roster.

On a personal note I once again find this all disturbing that these young men who get the chance to play a kid’s game for a “king’s Ransom” (to paraphrase Warren Sapp). How difficult is it to simply follow the rules and keep out of trouble? This point is especially true when you are making more money than the “average” guy.