Uncategorized News & Rumors

As the nation continues to see states legalize recreational and medicinal marijuana, the NFL could be headed in the same direction. One of flexibility, that is.

Several owners and ownership sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL.com the issue of marijuana punishment looks set to become a key issue over the next few years and as the next CBA negotiations take shape. Those surveyed want more research done regarding this issue and many of those anonymously questioned would prefer to see lighter punishments involving weed, with two of the sources wanting suspensions for marijuana wiped out and replaced only with fines.

A “groundswell” of support exists for reducing suspensions for marijuana, one of the sources told Rapoport. Suspensions of Josh Gordon and Randy Gregory have raised awareness of this issue, and several league execs want owners to “follow the country” on the relaxation of weed-induced penalties. Seven NFL teams play in states where recreational marijuana use is legal, with more playing in states where medicinal usage is. The league’s current stance appears draconian by comparison, although it’s progressed to some degree in recent years.

The NFL in 2014 raised the threshold for what it takes to be suspended for marijuana. Two- and four-game fines now precede a suspension once in the drug program, something with which Washington left tackle Trent Williams became familiar earlier this season.

With the national consensus moving away from the stricter penalties of the past, many decision-makers around the league are ready to discuss this further. However, what exactly will be done remains a mystery and an alteration here might not be imminent.

“Medical experts have not recommended making a change or revisiting our collectively bargained policy and approach related to marijuana,” an NFL spokesman said, via Rapoport.

The NFLPA, though, is forming a committee to study the effects of marijuana for pain management.

As of Tuesday’s elections, 28 states now allow some sort of medicinal marijuana use, but that doesn’t mean the NFL and the players’ union will come together on any near-term alterations to the league’s drug policy, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. However, the NFLPA will continue to convene a “pain management committee” that will evaluate the effects of marijuana on health.

Privately, at least three owners have stated support for medical marijuana, especially in contrast to other medication — such as painkillers — that are often abused, reports Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Officially, however, the NFL doesn’t sound ready to make any changes to its current stance.

“We continue to follow the advice of leading experts on treatment, pain management and other symptoms associated with concussions and other injuries,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said. “However, medical experts have not recommended making a change or revisiting our collectively-bargained policy and approach related to marijuana, and our position on its use remains consistent with federal law and workplace policies across the country. If these advisers determine a change would be in the best interest of our players, we would discuss it.”

As Seifert notes, a recent ESPN survey found that nearly two-thirds of current NFL players believe that lessening the penalties associated with marijuana use — or perhaps, eliminating discipline for the drug altogether — could help reduce excessive painkiller usage.

Despite a 1-4 start to the season and an ugly performance on Sunday, the Dolphins aren’t planning on shaking up their offense. Following Miami’s loss to the Titans today, coach Adam Gase was emphatic that Ryan Tannehill would remain the team’s starting quarterback.

“No. He’s not coming out,” Gase said (via Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald). “You can ask me 100 times, he’s going to be in there the rest of the season.”

The fifth-year starter has had a rough start to the season, and those struggles continued against Tennessee. Tannehill completed 12 of his 18 pass attempts for 191 yards and a pair of interceptions. Through five games, the 28-year-old has tossed six touchdowns and seven interceptions, and his 83.6 quarterback rating is the worst since his sophomore campaign. Of course, there’s plenty of reason to believe in Tannehill, as he threw 51 touchdowns between 2014 and 2015 (against only 24 picks).

For what it’s worth, Tannehill certainly recognizes his struggles, and he appreciates his coach’s long leash.

“I know coach has confidence in me — I have confidence in myself — and I think the guys on offense have confidence in me,” Tannehill said. “We’re going to go out and play. I’m going to push myself in practice, do everything I can do to get better and expect to play better.”

Miami fans are certainly familiar with the alternatives, as Salguero notes that chants of “we want Moore” were echoing through Hard Rock Stadium today. Veteran Matt Moore is the team’s only other quarterback, but the 32-year-old hasn’t started a game since 2011. Over the past four seasons, Moore has made six appearances with Miami, converting 53-percent of his passes for 219 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com points out that Gase was hired with the understanding that he could “bring in his own quarterback” after 2016. There’s a possibility that that could still be the case following this season. As Florio notes, if Tannehill remains on the Dolphins roster through the fifth day of the next league year, $14.47MM of his salary will become fully guaranteed. The team could decide to cut or trade the signal-caller, freeing them from his $17.97MM 2017 salary.