Less than two months after being reinstated by the NFL, Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory may be facing yet another suspension for a violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports. Schefter says that Gregory suffered a relapse in August, and while he will play in his first regular-season game since 2016 today, his return to the NFL could be short-lived.
The team had thought the NFL would have made its decision as to potential discipline for Gregory last week, but Schefter says the league is still studying the case and deciding how much weight to give to the steps that Gregory has taken since his relapse. As Schefter notes, the league has softened its stance on players who run afoul of the drug policy and has begun to prioritize treatment and support over discipline.
Nonetheless, as Gregory is a repeat offender, he may be unable to escape another ban. He has missed 30 of the past 32 regular-season games, including the entire 2017 season, as a result of his violations.
Gregory, a Nebraska product, has a ton of talent as a pass rusher but has not been able to stay on the field long enough to live up to his promise. After being selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2015 draft — and he only made it to the second round because of character concerns — Gregory has only played in 14 games and has one sack to his credit.
However, he was working with the first team in recent weeks and may even start today, which makes this setback even more unfortunate.
time to cut Randy Gregory we all understand that he has a problem but it just seems more like that he just doesn’t get it and the cowboys don’t need to continue to deal with this person
Relapses happen in recovery.
I hope the shield really that into account. If Gregory reported it and tried to get help for it, that’s a good thing. It’s a process.
Agreed. There’s a line between repeat offender and relapse. If he’s genuinely trying then try to help him, not hurt him
The really sad thing is if it weren’t for those off field concerns he was gonna be a top 5-10 pick. I really hope he gets back on track and a chance with a different team cause it doesn’t seem like it’s been working with Dallas.
You seriously consider that to be the really sad thing about all this?
How about the fact he’s still in a battle with the demons of drug addiction? Wouldn’t that be the really sad thing?
What’s really sad is the NFL
and other ill-informed people who think he’s a horrible addicted drug addict for smoking weed!
Did I call him horrible? Nope, sure didn’t. But please continue getting it wrong, Batman.
If somebody is battling Demons, they must be possessed. And when I think of possessed people, I think of spinning heads and vomit. Now, was she a horrible person? The demon was, right?
So you like to be expressive with your words. So does Bruce. You’re just upset that his choice is directed at you, a guy who thinks that smoking weed is the devil’s work. Because devil and demon, okay?
What? I think you are mixed up. I don’t even consider weed a drug. It’s a plant put on this Earth by God
If he can’t stop, even when it’s costing him everything, then yes, he is clearly an addict. What’s sad is how blind you are to that obvious fact
Yeah, man. Why can’t he just booze all day like the Football Warriors who would be boycotting if it wasn’t for the fact that boozing all day on Sunday can get boring unless guys are dressed in snazzy uniforms jumping all over each other.
.
BONEHEAD!!!!
Shocked…… that he almost made it through preseason.
What a loser!
Having been a United States Probation Officer for 28 years and a Substance Abuse Specialist, dealing with our most addicted offenders for 22 of those years, I’m impressed with how the league is handling the Gregory case. Gregory, who likely self medicated his bi polar disorder with marijuana throughout his teen years was deeply addicted to it when he entered the league. Upon entering the league, testing positive and being psychologically evaluated the gravity of his addiction came to light. Thankfully the league has addressed his issues with counseling and medication, explained program requirements clearly and responded punitively when he violated them. Addicts are absolute masters of manipulation and the only way to help them is to hold steadfast to rock solid rules. The longer Gregory is involved in the program, living a 9 to 5 job and being held accountable, the better chance he has of remaining clean after he is no longer playing football and being monitored. The only reason I’d continue to work with Gregory is that he hasn’t run afoul of the law and has seemingly had a very good attitude through this process. And for those that claim he should be allowed to use marijuana you’re simply wrong.
But I guess if he was an alcoholic
and a zombie from pills pushed by the Docs
and Big Pharm it would be ok right? Idiot!
Did he say that? Nice strawman though. If you don’t want to be seen as an idiot in the future, maybe respond to what people actually say instead of the voices in your head
If Gregory is being popped for smoking weed, then at the very least, OP implies it simply by saying he is impressed with the decision making of the NFL.
Weed. It’s a plant. You don’t process it. It doesn’t make you vomit. It in fact stops vomiting.
But the Gov says, it’s bad. It’s a Mexican plant. And Black people smoke it. All that jazz…..
I think you should get some reading skills moron! He’s a probation officer . What do you think his stance really is ?
I’m responding to all you sheep who don’t have an original thought in your tiny brains . Weed is a plant . It’s not addictive ! Stop listening to the idiots who tell you the lies. Open your eyes .
Im pretty sure the pills pushed by the docs and Big Pharm are one and the same, but good on you for thinking you were making some substantial point, when in reality you made yourself look dumb.
Btw, responding to your earlier comments. If a guy has to go to rehab for repeated relapses, and still continues to use a substance that is costing him millions and ultimately his career, then yes, he has an addiction, even if it is only to weed.
Weed is not addictive. Quit being a sheep
If this “relapse” is from smoking weed then he has absolutely no excuse. it blows my mind how a person in his position, with his resources, finances, etc. continues to screw up.
Prioritizing support and treatment over discipline was suppose to be the mandate when these programs were first created….which was years ago. Goodell has lost all credibility in the eyes of players and each season more and more fans are seeing him for the hypocrite he is.
Treatment absent stern discipline simply doesn’t work. It’s clear to me Goodell has consulted with experts in the substance abuse treatment field.
Buckle up, Dorance. Let’s see what you got