The NFL has largely abandoned the idea of suspending players because of marijuana. However, they can still be fined. And one player is resisting more than $500,000 in fines imposed on him.
Via Justin Wingerter of BusinessDen, former Broncos defensive end Randy Gregory sued the league and the team under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Law. The argument is that Gregory needs THC to treat social anxiety disorder and PTSD, and yet he was fined more than $500,000 after testing positive.
“Mr. Gregory requested an accommodation from the NFL and the Broncos to consume Dronabinol to treat his disabilities,” the civil complaint alleges. “Specifically, Mr. Gregory sought to consume Dronabinol, which is synthetic cannabis, at the direction of his treating physician outside of work hours. The NFL and the Broncos denied his request, noting that THC is a federally controlled substance. Since who requested an accommodation, Gregory paid $532,500 in fines to the NFL for consuming THC to treat his disabilities, Gregory is expected to play every game, attend practices, participate in media sessions and fulfill his obligations. professional responsibilities. In other words, he cannot be suspended just for a positive test. Significantly, the NFL and the Broncos profited from Mr.’s continued employment.
It’s an interesting argument. Gregory is forced to work and also does not receive full payment for the work he performs.
The situation dates back to March 2023. Gregory reportedly attempted to obtain accommodation from the team and the league, but his requests were denied. The fines were applied from March 6, 2023, through the presentation of the complaint on June 5, 2024.
Although the league imposed the fine, Gregory maintains that the Broncos – as his employer – had a duty to accommodate his disabilities. And he’s right; teams cannot simply hide behind league rules if those rules result in teams violating state or local laws.
The big question is whether Gregory has the power to take the case to court. The NFL and Broncos will certainly argue that the case should be resolved according to the procedures set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
While it is not the same secret, fraudulent court that the NFL uses for non-union employees, it is still not as pro-individual as open court cases can be, depending on the judge and jurisdiction.
Gregory was traded to the 49ers during the 2023 regular season and is currently on the Buccaneers’ roster. Neither team is a defendant in the lawsuit.
