Could the NFL Become the First Major Pro-Pot Sport?

10y
3m read
Summary

As the war against marijuana prohibition expands, activists find themselves allying with strange bedfellows. Could the National Football League become the latest organization to change their stance on medical marijuana? In a recent ESPN the Magazine Story[1], Howard Bryant explored the potential allowance of medical marijuana usage within the NFL. He argued that 8 teams […]

As the war against marijuana prohibition expands, activists find themselves allying with strange bedfellows. Could the National Football League become the latest organization to change their stance on medical marijuana?

In a recent ESPN the Magazine Story[1], Howard Bryant explored the potential allowance of medical marijuana usage within the NFL. He argued that 8 teams resided within the 20 states in America that currently permit doctor’s prescriptions for medical marijuana. And the NFL’s truly unwavering attendee is pain.

Pain is the singular constant of the NFL… whether through cortisone, painkillers or drugs and alcohol, they have always self-medicated to heal from the game that breaks their bodies. Which is why, more than any other sport, the NFL should lead the conversation on considering medicinal marijuana as a therapeutic alternative.
– Howard Bryant

LexichronicSan Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Lloyd being carted off after an injury. Image courtesy of BleacherReport.com.

With 8 teams already residing within jurisdictions that allow medical marijuana, how long will it be before a player comes forth with a legitimate request for an exemption to the banned substances list enforced by the league?

Because football players deal with pain management more acutely than athletes from other sports… And given that marijuana is a legitimate pain reliever — especially for the migraines that can be a byproduct of head trauma — and is far less dangerous and potentially addictive than, say, OxyContin, it is almost immoral to deny players the right to use it.
– Howard Bryant

Although it would seem a prescribed medication could be safely used by a player, amphetamines like Adderal and Ritalin used to treat ADD and ADHD are still debated by the NFL and the Player’s Union. However, they are allowed by the NFL when properly prescribed. Many argue that it is being abused on the field, as Pierre Garcon of the Washington Redskins argues. [2] We can gather few would argue that marijuana would benefit players on the field, Adderal and Ritalin give some insight into how the league will handle prescription medications and their effect on players’ abilities.

And despite Commissioner Roger Goodell’s newfound emphasis on player safety, don’t expect the league to adopt medical marijuana overnight. Because it is still federally illegal, any such action could tie the league up in legal disputes with non-participating states and the federal government.

LexichronicSeattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner. Image courtesy of MSN.FOXSPORTS.COM.

In fact, the League has been just as vigilant this year with their substance-abuse policy, and as recently as November 25th, they were investigating and threatening Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner with a one-year suspension for marijuana use.[3] This suspension was given despite the fact that Washington state will allow Recreational Marijuana Use in 2014.

But the rest of country is taking notice. Earlier this year, the marijuana-policy-project made a statement before the Baltimore Ravens visited the Denver Bronco’s for the NFL season kickoff, with a 48-foot-wide billboard that blasted player drinking and reminded players that “a safer choice is now legal (here)”. [4]

“For years, the NFL has been punishing players for using marijuana… the league would never punish a player simply for having a couple beers, so why does it penalize them for using a substance that is less toxic, less addictive and less likely to contribute to violence?”
– Mason Tver, Director of Communications, Marijuana Policy Project

Undoubtably, the NFL will lighten its stance on marijuana as the federal government begins to end prohibition. However, sports can also lead the way, much like they spearheaded racial integration when Jackie Robinson first stepped onto the diamond for the Brooklyn Dodgers. And chances are, the NFL will be pioneering this round of social change.

1. Bryant, Howard. “Smoke Screen.” ESPN the Magazine. 10 Dec. 2013. Article.
2. Sessler, Marc. “Pierre Garcon: Adderall gives players ‘an upper hand’.” NFL.com. 11 Apr. 2013. Article.
3. Farrar, Doug. “Seahawks CB Brandon Browner reportedly facing one-year suspension.” Sports Illustrated. 25 Nov. 2013. Article.
4. Lariviere, David. “Will NFL Bend To Pressure To Ease Harsh Penalties For Recreational Marijuana Use?” Forbes. 11 Sep. 2013. Article.