The same day “Athlete Talk” debuted, two Pittsburgh Steelers running backs were cited for a misdemeanor marijuana possession. The NFL is more than likely to issue out suspensions but for now the situation is under investigation. I first, want to express my opinion on how dumb it is to drive around in a car with 20 grams of Weed (Stephen A. Voice). This is a prime example to show that marijuana is affecting the NFL culture everyday. On the other hand, this allows me to introduce a new perspective. The NFL should adapt to the times as America has and become more “understandable” when it comes to marijuana use.
Opening up to using medical reasons should be the 1st step the NFL should take when tackling the marijuana issues in the locker room. The NFL has two law suits there’re currently dealing with: concussions and painkillers. Marijuana has showed to help with concussion-like symptoms without the side effects of the painkillers that the NFL has pushed on players throughout decades.
In a Huffington Post article by Eddie Pellis, retired defensive lineman Marvin Washington states that players don’t smoke because its something to do. Washington reveals its more of an “What if you could take something that helps you heal faster from a concussion, that prevents your equilibrium from being off for two weeks and your eyesight for being off for four weeks?”
In a Huffington Post article by Eddie Pellis, retired defensive lineman Marvin Washington states that players don’t smoke because its something to do. Washington reveals its more of an “What if you could take something that helps you heal faster from a concussion, that prevents your equilibrium from being off for two weeks and your eyesight for being off for four weeks?”
Did you know that 6 players who have tested positive for marijuana use have been suspended longer then Ray Rice (Domestic Violence)? After doing research I discovered that Josh Gordon (2014 season), Daryl Washington (2014 season), Von Miller (4 games in 2013), Walter Thurmond (4 games in 2013 season), Brandon Browner (2013 season and 4 games in 2014 season) and Will Hill (6 games in 2014 season) have been suspended more harshly then Rice. Rice will only have to serve a 2 game suspension after knocking his then fiancé unconscious and dragging her out an Atlantic City hotel elevator.
The penalties are to severe when you consider that marijuana legality is expanding and it has a potential use as relief for chronic pain. We see this in everyday life when a drug dealer is convicted for 20 plus years, but people who commit violent-crimes are in prison for minimum years. The conservativeness of the NFL will not allow marijuana to get a past just yet but they are allowing this harmless drug to ruin young men careers and franchise seasons.
Don't you think that it will become abused if legal? As in players coming to meetings and practice fresh off a high?
ReplyDeleteThats a decision the players will have to make. A player can be a alcoholic but there is no punishment for that. only if they get a DUI and/or hit someone
DeleteVery much likely. Whether it be Marijuana (or any other drug for that matter) legal or not, medical or recreational... abuse is inevitable
ReplyDeleteof course thats going to happen. but as long its not affecting the players (the product) on the field. Thats what bring in the money.
DeleteMaybe the players should be more responsible. I mean either way if it was my team I would rather my players not do any drugs or alcohol. So my opinion could be biased. I want you focused. And if I dont feel you are focused and its detrimental to team performance then I would vote no. And maybe thats what it is. They maybe dont mind the use of it for that specific person. But they could also be detrimental to the team they could be thinking of the whole organization and the effect on the team. And that could be why they have not moved forward with it.
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