Reid To Take Leave From Eagles

PHILADELPHIA — Andy Reid is facing a crisis far tougher than a quarterback controversy or a disruptive player.

The Philadelphia Eagles coach will leave the team for a month to deal with developments that have rocked his family the past two weeks — one son tested positive for heroin, another was arraigned on drug and weapons charges.

The team said the leave will last until mid-March.

"He's not going to come into the office. His priorities will be his family for that period of time, but he will be available to have a couple of calls with us and collaborate and if he needed to be here for a visit of a free agent," Eagles president Joe Banner said Monday. "He will retain final say over whatever we do."

Reid, who is also the team's head of football operations, will miss the NFL scouting combine and the start of free agency. Teams may begin voluntary off-season workouts March 19. Reid plans to attend the NFL owners' meetings in Arizona in late March, and will be back for the NFL draft April 28–29.

General manager Tom Heckert and the team's assistant coaches will handle the interviewing of players at the scouting combine in Indianapolis, though Reid might be able to meet with some players at another time.

Garrett Reid, 23, tested positive for heroin after he caused a traffic accident January 30, police said.

Britt Reid, 21, was arraigned on drug and weapons charges. He is accused of pointing a handgun at another driver following a dispute and faces a felony charge of carrying a firearm without a license.