NFL Faces Lawsuit Over Player’s $500,000 THC Fine

Randy Gregory, a player for the Denver Broncos, has filed a lawsuit alleging employment discrimination by the NFL and his team. Here’s a breakdown of the case:

Background and Allegations

Gregory asserts that he was fined over $500,000 by the NFL for testing positive for THC, despite using FDA-approved dronabinol to manage anxiety, PTSD, and pain. The NFL’s policy continues to penalize players for THC, even though suspensions were halted in a 2020 collective bargaining agreement.

Legal Basis

The lawsuit, filed under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA), claims the NFL and Broncos violated state law by penalizing Gregory for his prescribed medication. He argues the league failed to accommodate his disability needs.

Financial Impact and Claims

Gregory’s fines amounted to 75% of his salary due to THC-related penalties. The lawsuit seeks damages for these fines and demands compliance with Colorado anti-discrimination laws.

Medical and Policy Context

Dronabinol, a synthetic THC medication, is legal federally and in Colorado but remains subject to NFL policy. Despite NFL research into CBD as an opioid alternative, no exemption has been made for THC medications like dronabinol.

Broader Sports Policy Landscape

While other sports leagues revise marijuana policies, NCAA and UFC have made recent strides, aligning rules with evolving cannabis laws and medical perspectives.

Future Implications

The outcome of Gregory’s lawsuit could influence sports drug policies nationally, reflecting ongoing shifts towards cannabis acceptance and disability accommodation.

Gregory’s case highlights tensions between federal legality, state law, and sports regulations in the evolving landscape of cannabis use in professional sports.