Marijuana is serious topic at Super Bowl

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Maybe you’ve heard the jokes, something along the lines of, Smoke-a-Bowl XLVIII.

But all giggling, and munchies, aside, marijuana is a serious topic in the buildup to this year’s Super Bowl. First off, both teams involved, the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, happen to play in states that recently legalized recreational use of the drug.

Secondly, the Seahawks have had two players, Brandon Browner and Walter Thurmond, suspended this season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, reportedly for marijuana use. Thirdly, and most importantly, there is a growing discussion about whether or not the NFL should allow marijuana use for medical purposes.

Former players have gone on record saying marijuana use helped them ease physical pain and also deal with the stress of the job. There have also been studies looking into whether marijuana can help the brain heal after head trauma, something that, if proven true, could cause the league to reconsider its stance on the drug.

“We will follow medicine, and if they determine this could be a proper usage in any context, we will consider that,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at a news conference last week in New York. “Our medical experts are not saying that right now.”

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was asked about that topic Monday, and said that he wants to see the NFL do what’s best for players, regardless of what stigmas might be associated with marijuana.

“First off, I can’t speak for anybody else in that regard,” he said. “We have to continue to explore and compete to find ways that are going to make our game a better game and take care of our players in the best way possible. The fact that it’s in the world of medicine is obviously something the Commissioner realizes and him making the expression that we need to follow the information and the research absolutely I’m in support of.

“Regardless of what other stigmas may be involved, I think we have to do this because the world of medicine is trying to do the exact same thing and figure it out and they’re coming to some conclusions. I can only speak for our coaches and we haven’t debated the thought yet.”

Fullback Michael Robinson, who has a unique perspective on the topic of pain treatment, agrees that marijuana should be considered if it can help players. Robinson missed the start of this season, and for a while feared much more than football was at risk, because of a legal pain killer that was prescribed by team doctors. Robinson was taking Indocin during the preseason, and that anti-inflammatory, combined with the fullback being dehydrated, sent Robinson to the hospital multiple times. After doctors were initially unable to figure out what was wrong with Robinson, it was discovered his liver and kidneys were failing.

“I think anything that can make our job a little easier without sacrificing our health at the same time is good for the league, it’s good for players,” he said. “I’m all for alternative forms of recovery and all those types of things — hyperbaric chambers, o-zoning, whatever it may be. So, I’m all for it. Whatever can help the player, I’m for.”

For now, however, marijuana remains a banned substance in the NFL, regardless of what benefits it may provide, and regardless of whether particular states legalized it, so players know they still need to steer clear of the drug or face the consequences.

“I know right now they are trying to do whatever they can to help players post-career, and they’re looking into everything,” Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton told reporters. “But it’s illegal right now and it’s something against the rules, so I stay away from that.

“I think with something like that, it may be helpful, but it is also something that can be abused. So I think that’s why it’s banned and that’s why it’s on the list, because it can be abused and it can backfire. It’s a touchy subject, but whatever is best, they’ll figure it out. Until then, I’m going to follow the rules.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.