Former 49ers LB Gregory Sues NFL, Broncos Over THC Fines originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
A former 49ers pass rusher has filed a lawsuit against the NFL and the Denver Broncos.
Randy Gregory, who played with San Francisco during the 2023 NFL season, after being acquired from the Broncos, sued the league and Denver on Wednesday under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Law.
The 31-year-old’s lawsuit comes after he was fined more than $500,000 for THC use since March 2023. In their civil complaint, Gregory’s representatives argue that the current Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker needs THC to treat social anxiety disorder and PTSD.
Former Broncos linebacker Randy Gregory is suing the team and the NFL, accusing them of wrongfully fining him $532,500 for using THC to treat anxiety and PTSD. https://t.co/Cf3UphVzCc
-Justin Wingerter (@JustinWingerter) June 6, 2024
“Mr. Gregory requested an accommodation from the NFL and the Broncos to consume Dronabinol to treat his disabilities,” the civil complaint states. “Specifically, Mr. Gregory sought to consume Dronabinol, which is synthetic cannabis, at the direction of his treating physician outside of work schedule. The NFL and the Broncos denied his request, noting that THC is a federally controlled substance.
“Since requesting an accommodation, Mr. Gregory has paid $532,500 in penalties to the NFL for consuming THC to treat his disabilities. Regardless of a positive test, Mr. Gregory is expected to play in all games, participate in practices, participate in media sessions and fulfill his 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.
The NFL does not currently suspend players for THC use, but as a banned substance, players who test positive are subject to fines.
The defensive back, who recorded 11 total tackles and 2.5 sacks in 12 games for San Francisco, was denied permission to use Dronabinol by the NFL and the Broncos, resulting in Gregory not receiving full pay despite having to work .
Gregory, who appeared in all three of the 49ers’ 2024 postseason games, is seeking damages “including, but not limited to, reimbursement of the monetary fines that Mr. Gregory was ordered to pay, including interest on the entire extent permitted by law in an amount to be determined at trial,” according to the lawsuit.
San Francisco is not a defendant in the lawsuit.
