Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the past few weeks, you know full well that a few of the top prospects from this year’s NFL draft have had recent marijuana-related issues.
Former Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Former Missouri edge rusher Shane Ray was popped for possession in his home state. And former Louisiana State cornerback Jalen Collins reportedly failed multiple drug tests during his collegiate playing days.
Some may think these incidents are outliers more than anything else, but one NFL general manager doesn’t believe that to be the case.
Per Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman:
My estimate is 30 to 40 percent of players in this draft class use marijuana regularly. That’s right in line with our league,” the unnamed NFL general manager told Freeman. “Publicly teams act shocked, disappointed about marijuana. Privately we know a lot of guys smoke and we’re far from shocked. In five years, maybe less, we’ll have a league that allows smoking pot. It’s best recourse. What we’re doing now is stupid.
There has been some debate regarding the NFL still having marijuana as a banned substance. It’s legal in multiple states, including two—Colorado and Washington—who currently house NFL teams.
But as a private entity, the NFL has every right to outlaw whatever substance it sees fit. There’s not much debate regarding this.
As the world itself starts to view marijuana more in the mainstream, the NFL may have to start getting with the time.
Until then, NFL players and prospects should understand full well what’s at stake here. It’s less about smoking a little weed, and more about acting mature and avoiding a banned substance.
Photo: USA Today Sports