Running back Tony Collins of the New...

Running back Tony Collins of the New England Patriots has been checked into a drug rehabilitation center by the National Football League team for a recurring drug problem, according to a published report today.

Patriot coaches and management became suspicious of Collins two weeks ago during the annual spring mini-camp at Sullivan Stadium in Foxboro when he was late for some sessions and absent from others, The Boston Globe reported, citing unnamed sources.

When management confronted Collins, the Globe said, he reportedly admitted he had had a relapse and needed help.