At the start of the 2013 NFL season, no one would believe that a player who is suspended for the first two games would lead the league in receiving yards. Cleveland Browns Josh Gordon accomplished the near impossible feat. As we enter the 2014 season, Gordon is facing a possible indefinite suspension or he will be suspended for some significant time. His biggest obstacle since his days at Baylor University hasn’t been the talented defenders he faced on Saturday and Sundays; but the most controversial drug of our generation, Marijuana!
While growing up in the rough neighborhood of Carol City and being involved in sports year-round, I faced the peer pressure to indulge in marijuana usage. Even though at that time I didn’t give in to peer pressure, I’m not totally against marijuana use. I believe that if it starts to harm the way you provide for your family then there is one thing to do, QUIT! This has become a reoccurring issue with professional football players. For example, Justin Blackmon has recently been charged with marijuana possession. He is already serving an indefinite suspension from the NFL for substance abuse violations. The key is to stop this issue in college and show student-athletes what can be taken away by satisfying an urge.
I commend Tyrann “Honey Badger" Matthieu on how he handled the situation he went through entering his junior season at LSU. After coming off a Heisman finalist sophomore season, the "Honey Badger" was dismissed from the team for a failed drug test then arrested for marijuana possession. Which lead to him missing a whole football season. Although he went through an all time low, he was still able to get drafted by the Arizona Cardinals. He had to hit rock bottom to realize the importance of following the rules even if you do not agree with them.
With marijuana becoming legal in various states. Don't you think it's time for the league to look into changes as well?
ReplyDeleteYes I believe they should adapt to the changes within society. But it is only legal in a few states so that would take some time to really force them to make changes.
ReplyDeleteBecause you can't get off the weeeeduh, you've lost millions of dollars *stephen a. voice*....Randy Moss got kicked out of Florida State for marijuana use. Ricky Williams was suspended for the whole 2006 season after failing his 4th drug test. Santonio Holmes was suspended 4 games to start the 2010 season for failing his drug test. Janoris Jenkins got kicked out of UF after being charged with marijuana possession in 2011. These are just a few cases around the nation, both college & NFL, where athletes have been fined, suspended, & kicked off their teams because of weed.
ReplyDeletePersonally I feel like it is an overblown issue for a couple of reasons. Weed isn't a performance-enhancing drug like steroids or HGH, so it doesn't affect a players on field performance. Also, multiple states around the country are legalizing the drug for medical & recreational use so the NFL would be pressured to stop testing for it. With each news report of another athlete failing a drug test, more & more people couldn't care less because of the changing attitudes regarding marijuana in America. You'll be surprised how many professional athletes actually use the drug.
Yeah, eventually it will not be considered a big deal within the NFL
DeleteThis is real talk, and an issue that should be broadcasted for all young inspiring athletes to see. Gives great inside without bashing or criticizing the people mention, rather using them as a reliable tool to deliver a powerful message
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