Why it matters:
– Former NFL player Travis Kelce estimates that 50-80% of NFL players are smoking pot, echoing statements made by other former players.
– Kelce discusses his own experience with a failed drug test and believes that his peers in the NFL are taking advantage of looser rules regarding cannabis.
What they are saying:
– Kelce estimates that anywhere from 50 to 80 percent of players in the NFL use cannabis.
– Other former players have made similar statements, with Ricky Williams suggesting the number is at least 80% and Martellus Bennett saying it could be as high as 89%.
The big picture:
– The NFL made changes to its drug testing policy in 2020, eliminating suspensions for positive cannabis tests and limiting the testing period to the first two weeks of training camp.
– Changes in policy are allowing players to smoke more freely without fear of repercussions.
What to watch:
– The prevalence of cannabis use among NFL players and whether it continues to be an accepted practice.
– The potential impact of looser cannabis rules on player performance and overall league image.
My take:
– The high estimates of cannabis use among NFL players indicate that this may be a common practice within the league.
– The loosening of cannabis rules reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes towards marijuana.
– It will be interesting to see how the NFL’s stance on cannabis evolves in the coming years and whether other professional sports leagues follow suit.
