An NFL player getting into hot water over drug-related issues is not new news. An NFL player turning undercover cooperating witness in a federal investigation is pretty novel, though.

The New England Patriots, whose occasional misdeeds are anything but garden-variety, have another interesting case unraveling. Starting offensive right tackle Nick Kaczur reportedly wore a wire to help investigators nab his oxycodone supplier, one Daniel Ekasala. Oxycodone is a perscription pain-reliever.

Kaczur’s involvement started, according to a Boston Globe article, when he was stopped for speeding on a New York highway in April and police discovered a small amount of a substance that turned to be oxycodone. Kaczur reportedly made three buys from Ekasala while cooperating with authorities. Ekasala was indicted yesterday and his lawyer said it was Kaczur who fingered Ekasala, one would presume so that the player might lessen his own legal liability.

For his part, the player is denying knowing anything about the case or Ekasala. The Patriots are declining comment and deferring to law enforcement. Likewise, the NFL office is declining comment also deferring to law enforcement. Meanwhile, misusing a drug like oxycodone violates the league drug policy and the Patriots signed another offensive lineman this week.