Marijuana in the NFL

                Today, NFL player Ryan Clark spoke out about teammates smoking marijuana, especially for relief of pain. He never says directly that he is for the use of medicinal marijuana in the league, but he hints at it by saying the NFL “is losing a battle” in their testing system and how marijuana is stopping players from turning to other pain medications such as Vicodin.

                Clark is not to only player to speak out on this topic. Many other players are in favor of the use of medicinal marijuana in the league. Even recent Super Bowl Champion Coach Pete Carroll said the league should investigate into letting players use the substance. The public also piped in recently. The latest poll on ESPN asked if the NFL should allow the use of medicinal marijuana. Out of 23,000 votes 79% said yes.

                I don’t agree with either opinions. The reason to allow players to use marijuana is because of the stress of the game, both physical and mental. Isn’t that just life though? Students today go through a lot of mental stress, along with most of the workforce. People get banged up all the time as well, a bruised knee here, a pulled shoulder there, the aches and pains never go away for some. Why don’t these people get to use medicinal marijuana as well? I don’t think NFL players deserve any more attention just because these people choose a physical work opportunity.

                Whether someone agrees with it or not, there is no debate. Marijuana is illegal at a national level. This topic will be discussed at high levels throughout this football off season, but it is not going to get anywhere because it is illegal at a national level. NFL players should focus on becoming the best employees possible before focusing on whether or not they can get their marijuana.