Nov 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Ryan Clark (25) reacts after recovering a fumble against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Clark, Steelers safety and frequent guest on ESPN’s “First Take,” came on today to discuss the increasingly prominent topic of marijuana use for treatment in the NFL, according ESPN.com Jets reporter Rich Cimini. Clark acknowledged that he doesn’t smoke pot, but he knows of teammates who use it recreationally, and that the NFL should not push it as a treatment.
Clark is just the latest NFL player to weigh in on marijuana in the NFL. Last week former Ravens and Bears LB Brendon Ayanbadejo said some of his teammates smoked pot the week of the Super Bowl. And recently, Jets corner Antonio Cromartie said that the NFL’s drug testing system is ineffective, and that they should stop testing for pot.
This marijuana debate heated up lately, as both Super Bowl teams happened to be from the two states that legalized recreational marijuana use. Roger Goodell downplayed the debate during his Super Bowl news conference, but Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said the NFL should look into medical marijuana use if it can help players.
Not to take a side in this debate, but one thing is clear: This story is not going away. The NFL offseason is long, and I expect several more players to come out with an opinion before it’s all said and done.