Each NFL offseason, various storylines surface. This year, of course, Deflategate continues to be a topic of conversation. However, another, more unique, plot has emerged: medical marijuana use.
Player pushes for medical marijuana acceptance
Eugene Monroe, an offensive tackle and former member of the Baltimore Ravens, began pushing the league to look into allowing medical marijuana use this offseason. The football player believes the drug is safer than the pain killers the NFL currently gives athletes to deal with concussions and other injuries. He recently tweeted a link to his website, which contains more information on his campaign.
In fact, Monroe has gone as far as to donate about $80,000 to to CW Botanical and Realm of Caring‘s campaign, “When The Bright Lights Fade,” to fund research on medical marijuana use to treat brain injuries, according to his website. Despite Monroe’s assertions that the league should look into allowing medical marijuana use, the drug is still banned by the NFL, and for that matter, federal law as well.
Some experts, including Mike Florio of NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk, have suggested the league will never officially allow marijuana use. The way the drug testing schedule is set up right now seems beneficial for the league, the players and the NFL players’ association. Changing that delicate balance could end up being too difficult.
The three-phase intervention program
The NFL’s substance abuse policy prohibits the use of marijuana and a number of other controlled substances. If players are caught once, their infractions remain confidential, according to SB Nation. These individuals enter three-stage intervention programs. The phases are:
The initial step is evaluation and treatment plan development. Here, players agree to provide medical professionals with information on their progress and submit to regular drug tests. This stage can last up to 90 days. If completed without incident, the player can finish the intervention program after this phase.
If there are issues during the first stage, the athlete will move on to the second component of the program. This phase lasts two full seasons and involves a similar treatment plan. Players who break the rules during the second stage may be suspended up to four games. Players who make it through this phase of the program successfully move back to stage one if they violate the substance abuse policy again later on.
The final stage is for athletes who could not complete the first two successfully. The treatment component of this portion of the program is similar to the other two. However, the consequences for a violation increase. For most infractions, players are suspended for a year. Marijuana use during this phase results in a 10-month suspension. Stage three offenders remain in this step of the program for the rest of their careers or until a medical professional discharges them.
If Florio is right, chances are that policy won’t change much for marijuana users or anyone else. If you’re interested in learning more about the league’s drug policy and punishments, speak with a sports law attorney.
Rule 26 Expert Discovery: When an Expert Witness Uses AI, Is It Discoverable?
Case law following the 2010 amendments to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 offers guidance on how courts are likely to address whether an expert witness’s AI records are subject to discovery. Key Takeaways Rule 26 Expert Discovery After the 2010 Amendments This article addresses the question courts and lawyers have faced in recent cases: […]
“Show how 3M is 0% at fault.” The absurd tale of how a 350-page ChatGPT history for 3M’s expert witness was produced during a deposition is more likely than you think. It’s an inevitable trend, and an unsettled question for federal courts as experts make generative AI part of their workflow. Key Takeaways Expert Witness […]
The Screenshot Problem: Why Nothing Is Really Private Anymore
Screenshots have changed the risks of electronic communications. The screenshot problem is that messages intended for one person or a small group can be copied, forwarded, preserved, and ultimately presented to opposing counsel, regulators, journalists, customers, or a jury. Businesses should recognize that a truly private digital conversation is increasingly unreliable and ensure their policies, […]
BESS Project Agreements: Allocating Risk Among Developers, EPC Contractors, and Equipment Suppliers
Developers, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors, and equipment suppliers each play a critical role in completing a BESS project. However, when equipment costs rise, deliveries are delayed, or regulations change, determining who bears the financial consequences can become contentious. Well-drafted project agreements are essential to sound risk allocation. Key Takeaways This article is Part […]
IP Infringement: What Steps Can You Take If You're Affected?
IP infringement occurs when someone uses your intellectual property without your permission or beyond the scope of the permission you granted. Common examples of IP infringement include copying a product’s patented features or using a trademarked logo in a way that is likely to confuse consumers about the source or affiliation of goods or services. […]
Public Allegations, Unfinished Investigation: What New Jersey Businesses Should Do Next
When facing public allegations of wrongdoing, companies should not let the speed of the public conversation dictate the speed of an investigation. An investigation designed to confirm a preferred narrative rather than establish the facts can create serious problems later, particularly if litigation, regulatory scrutiny, or employment claims follow. Key Takeaways When public allegations surface […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court.
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal
circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
