The NBA has been seen as a progressive-thinking organization under young commissioner Adam Silver. He pushes his players to speak out on the hot-button topics around the United States today.
Heck, the Association moved last season’s All-Star game from North Carolina due to what many perceived to be an anti-LGBT law passed in the state.
Now, it looks like his predecessor wants the NBA to be even more progressive. Former commissioner David Stern is advocating for the league to legalize marijuana use.
“I’m now at the point where, personally, I think [marijuana] probably should be removed from the ban list,” Stern said, via ESPN’s Uninterrupted. “I think there is universal agreement that marijuana for medical purposes should be completely legal.”
The professional sports world’s thought process on marijuana has been less forward-thinking than the broader landscape of the United States. Though, the NFL itself may now be on the verge of breaking with an archaic marijuana policy (more on that here).
If Stern had his druthers here, the NBA would set an example for other leagues. It’s as much about using marijuana as a medical resource as it is about letting players use the substance recreationally.
“I don’t think there’s been a proper spokesperson for this subject. I think that if medical marijuana is available, then it’s up to the individual team doctor,” Stern continued in speaking to former NBA player Al Harrington. “You tell me that it worked for you and it worked for others that you know, then we should find a way to get that defined and made official and then proceed to educating team docs.”
It will most definitely be interesting to see what comes of this. What we do know is that Silver has been the most progressive commissioner in pro sports. Allowing marijuana use would only add to that.