Many current and former players, as well as some team owners, have spoken out about the NFL’s Marijuana policy and called it archaic. After years of players facing lengthy suspension for using the substance, it appears change could finally be on the way. The league hopes to get rid of the ban on players smoking Marijuana, according to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, but there is a catch.
Florio reports that the league doesn’t just want to change the policy on their own, but they instead want to “dangle” potential changes in the next collective bargaining agreement to secure “a concession from the union in exchange for softening a policy that badly needs to be softened.” The next CBA negotiations are expected to be highly contentious, and there have been rumors another lockout could be on the way, so it’s not surprising the league wants every bit of leverage they can get.
Here’s more from around the league:
- We heard earlier today that the Cowboys were working out receiver Sammie Coates, but don’t expect Dallas to sign him. The team isn’t going to sign the former Steeler and Brown, and were just “taking a look” at the wideout, according to Clarence Hill Jr. of the Forth-Worth Star Telegram (Twitter link). Coates was once a pretty productive and highly thought of receiver for Pittsburgh, but has had trouble staying in the league the past couple of seasons. Still only 25, the Auburn product will likely resurface somewhere soon.
- Dez Bryant suffered a devastating Achilles injury just after finally signing with the Saints, but the 30-year-old plans to keep playing. “I have to. I got business and I got ball. I can’t end like this”, Bryant told a Dallas radio station, per Jon Machota of Dallas News (Twitter link). Bryant might not be ready for the start of the 2019 season, but should be able to find a home on a one-year prove it deal.
- We’ve heard a lot about the Broncos’ ownership situation over the last few months, and now finally owner Pat Bowlen’s wife Annabel is speaking out. Annabel filed a motion and joined the ongoing legal saga, and filed her motion in support of the trust her husband set up to run the team, according to Kevin Vaughan of Denver 9 News. Pat’s brother Bill is currently suing, trying to get the trust dissolved and to seize control of the team.
- The Giants worked out defensive lineman Kwaku Boateng, a source told Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Boateng is a Canadian who has played very well in the CFL the past couple of years. This time of year it’s common to see CFL players get workouts for consideration for next season, as they aren’t eligible to be signed until after the season is over. Boateng has gotten workouts with the Chargers and Jets recently, so NFL scouts clearly see some potential there.
I don’t think the drug rules are archaic. Many do though, and by “giving into” the issue, the NFL has leverage over the players that they really shouldn’t have because it really shouldn’t be an issue. Players are going to give up financial considerations (larger partially guaranteed contracts, franchise tag rules, RFA rules, etc.) in order for recreational drug usage or less penalties for them. Seems dumb. The players reps should focus on securing more money instead of loosening the drug rules. I don’t think they will be able to accomplish both based on negotiations in the past.
Roger Goddell has a face that needs to punched; over and over again
Everyone form a line to the right behind Tom Brady.
I didn’t know Brady was suspended for marijuana.
Marijuana is federally illegal. Given that the NFL is a national football league, they are to abid by national law. Sure they can softer, but the NFL is just doing what’s the law.
The NFL is the only of the top 4 pro leagues to test for marijuana. There’s literally no reason for them to do it especially since the players get hooked on the more dangerous opioid drugs instead.
That’s actually false. NBA tests in season with escalating penalties. NHL doesn’t suspend for failed tests but multiple failed tested but might need to be entered into an abuse program. MLB tests for it when there is believed to reasonable cause.
baseball players get drug tested in the minors. I’d they don’t fail a test there, they don’t get tested in the majors unless there’s a reason to test them.
MLB has suspensions for drug usage including marijuana
Great point. Opioids, the most important public health crisis. Meanwhile, marijuana has agents that can mitigate pain without physiological dependence.
Just what we need, pot heads playing football. “Hey lets go in the tent and smoke a blunt.”
I’m not allowed to smoke weed and work at my job. Why should NFL players be allowed to?
They make millions of dollars and don’t believe the rules of society apply to them.
Are you paid to slam your head into things until your brain is mush? Seriously the dangerous thing they do is their job not smoking a harmless plant.
Cannabis is a safer, more natural way to deal with pain than most of the medication they’re given
Then why not allow steroids in the game which help you recover more quickly?
As in, you’re not allowed to smoke weed while ON the job, or your employer tests you to see if you smoke weed OFF the job? If the latter, why?
The game officials are already seeing things that don’t exist so a change in the marijuana policy won’t affect them.
Let’s light a joint and take a knee