Is the NFL softening its drug policy?

[NorthHawk]

This is an interesting article for how things are developing from the NFL in it's viewpoint on players and drugs.
Maybe it's because of the States that have and others that will in the future legalize cannabis.
It's not a world changing event, but it's possibly a start towards reform at the NFL level.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2 ... ug-issues/

[RiverDog]

The league has taken some hits over their non football policies lately. Perhaps they've come to the conclusion that they should not expect every player to be a model citizen and instead are looking to take a more practical approach. That's one of the reasons why they came up with such a strict policy in the first place, that they didn't want to be accused of being soft on drugs and wanted every player to be a role model for younger fans.

It will be interesting to see what aspects of their substance abuse policy might be changed. I can understand modifying their marijuana policy as it is a bit outdated, but I don't see them changing other aspects of it, such as how they respond to DUI's and illegal drugs.

[jshawaii22]

There is a huge divide between pot and ANY other illegal drug designed to help you cheat to compete. If you've ever smoked, you know that pot is definitely not a drug to use to run faster, build muscles, or generally be 'more' of anything. It's incredible that it's still on the list to begin with. Tamer than alcohol.

PED's need to stay illegal unless you find one that doesn't kill you in the long run. Lyle Alzado is a good example of why PEDs are not good.

[NorthHawk]

Many of the substance abuse penalties involve cannabis and it falls under the drug policy that they have been quite strict with. They now appear to be moving however slightly toward helping the player instead of simply punishing them.
I doubt PED’s will ever be permitted as they give players a decided edge in performance and with gambling now permitted, they could derail a future source of revenue.

[RiverDog]

There is a huge divide between pot and ANY other illegal drug designed to help you cheat to compete. If you've ever smoked, you know that pot is definitely not a drug to use to run faster, build muscles, or generally be 'more' of anything. It's incredible that it's still on the list to begin with. Tamer than alcohol.

PED's need to stay illegal unless you find one that doesn't kill you in the long run. Lyle Alzado is a good example of why PEDs are not good.

I'm sure that any proposed changes involve marijuana and not illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin and/or PED's.

The reason why marijuana was banned by the league had noting to do with performance enhancing or that their players comply with the law. It was the league being politically correct. They did not want to send a signal to younger fans, or rather the parents of younger fans, that they condoned the use of marijuana, and to some extent, I can agree with what they were attempting to do. Their personal conduct policy has nothing to do with onfield performance, either, and much of that is orientated towards political correctness, and I can forsee the day that some aspects of that policy may be modified as well.

[idhawkman]

I've always kind of snickered at performance enhancing drugs. Aren't supplements and vitamins the same thing? Don't they give an advantage over the kids who can't afford them?

Asking for a friend...

[RiverDog]

I've always kind of snickered at performance enhancing drugs. Aren't supplements and vitamins the same thing? Don't they give an advantage over the kids who can't afford them?

Asking for a friend...

Yea, that's an interesting point. A candy bar or a cup of coffee could be considered performance enhancing, so where do you draw the line?

[idhawkman]

Yea, that's an interesting point. A candy bar or a cup of coffee could be considered performance enhancing, so where do you draw the line?

Exactly. I know there's a line there because Steroids are really bad for you over time but on a temporary basis they are medically prescribed to help you get better from an injury. Who draws that line though....