Packers' Quarless gives advice to teens

Under normal circumstances, Andrew Quarless would have been in Green Bay this week, working out informally with teammates. "Then at OTAs in a week or so," the 6-4 tight end said, "where you get a paycheck."

But with NFL players locked out of camps and team-sponsored activities, the 22-year-old Uniondale product has been in local gyms, training with his younger brother, Travis, who attends Fresno (Calif.) Community College, and following the legal twists and turns.

Except Wednesday, that is.

Despite a troubled high school career and a suspension at Penn State, the Packers drafted Quarless, who as a rookie caught 21 passes last season for the Super Bowl champions.

Quarless spent several hours in court Wednesday, but this time for the right reasons. He was the invited speaker at a graduation ceremony for five teenagers at Nassau County Juvenile Treatment Court, which coordinates supervision and care for youngsters with substance abuse issues through the Reclaiming Futures program.

"Since the Super Bowl, I've spoken to a lot of kids," Quarless said while autographing mini-footballs before the event, "because I've been there. Mostly I talk generally about peer pressure and choices, but today, given these kids, I'll open up about myself more."

And he did.

"Six years ago, I was in the same situation," he told the teenagers, their families and friends. "My mother works in the court system here, and two things she always used to tell me: 'At 16, they can try you as an adult' -- a remark that produced laughter from staffers, judges and attorneys -- "and 'Whatever you do in the dark always comes to light.' I heard it, but it went right over my head. I strayed to the left."

Quarless recalled he was expelled from Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville for selling marijuana, then was arrested while attending Uniondale High School for a fight at a party. "Once I saw that cell, I never wanted to go back."

While on scholarship at Penn State, however, "I thought I was a superstar at 17 and I was drinking a lot. It's a party college, but I was under age."

He was suspended for two games during the 2007 season by coach Joe Paterno, and then in March 2008 he was arrested for driving under the influence. "I was 19 and really had to look myself in the mirror," he said. Quarless went to Paterno's house and pleaded for another break. The coach relented.

"I've had a couple chances and I'm thankful for that," Quarless told the graduates. "I've seen a lot of people who get just one chance. And this is your chance right now."