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2015 NFL Draft: Randy Gregory smoked weed, Get over it

By Dan Salem

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Randy Gregory smoked weed and got caught, but his top ten talent is too much to ignore. Take him high in the 2015 NFL Draft, or regret it later. Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL TD Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream and debate the NFL and sports.

TODD:

Last week top NFL draft prospect Randy Gregory (OLB from Nebraska) revealed to the media, via Kimberly Jones on NFL.com, that he failed a drug test during the combine.

He took a stand and bravely said, “I blame myself.” Well, duh!

Now I have two very strong and yet contradictory feelings about this incident. The test he failed was for marijuana. I personally have no issue with anyone smoking marijuana. I don’t see why it’s even against the league rules, especially if it’s a better pain reliever than popping medication. So the fact that Gregory smoked marijuana before the combine doesn’t bother me in the least. There is no way that fact should affect his draft stock.

On the other hand, this IS against the rules. Whether you agree with the rule or not, it exists. That means, to me, he failed a drug test because he’s either incredibly stupid (a bad sign!) or doesn’t give an F (bad, but not as bad). This is where I draw issue. I don’t want my first-round NFL draft pick to be stupid or not care about rules or both.

Nov 15, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end Randy Gregory (4) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Full disclosure, Gregory claimed in that NFL.com story that “he has not smoked marijuana since December, but because his THC levels were so elevated, the drug remained in his system at the combine.” I don’t know anything about the validity of that statement, but either way, the point remains.

Is this a problem for you? Which side, if either, do you take on this issue? I think I lean toward the former, being that I’d be thrilled if Gregory now dropped to number nine overall, and my Giants were able to select him. Or maybe that just makes me a good fan but a bad person.

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DAN:

You’re in no way a bad person for wanting Randy Gregory on your football team. He is however rather ignorant for failing to pass his drug test. Maybe it was a simple misstep, but if you are serious about playing in the National Football League, wouldn’t you do anything and everything possible to make yourself look good?

THC stays in your body for quite some time. It stays in your blood for about three months and in your hair for up to six months. I’m approximating, as each person is unique and will have consumed varying amounts of the drug. I consider this information common knowledge, and at the very least, easily found online.

Drug tests are also common place, so much so that one can purchase a wide variety of vitamins and cleanses at GNC to flush your system. Randy Gregory chose to ignore ALL of this information, assuming instead that he was fine. He was clean.

Despite his ignorance, I’m willing to give Gregory the benefit of the doubt. One mistake should not define a man, let alone his future. Marijuana is no big deal in my opinion. It’s an excellent pain reliever, a naturally organic substance, and better for your body than any pill the NFL may hand out.

I find it concerning that he had such a blatant disregard for the potential consequences of his drug test. But he is a young kid, just out of college, and people make simple mistakes. I’m willing to let this one slide.

Nov 9, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) is taken down by Nebraska Cornhuskers safety LeRoy Alexander (18) and defensive end Randy Gregory (44) in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

According to ESPN’s Scouts Inc., Gregory is the 7th highest rated player in the 2015 draft class. His value and his selection should not be affected but such a minor transgression. You may be hoping he falls to your Giants at nine, but my New York Jets also need outside help on defense and could easily snatch him up with pick number six.

It won’t be long before this debate is laughable. The league rules will change, sooner than later. Players should not show up to work high, just like they shouldn’t show up drunk. But what they did the night before to relax is their business. Personally I’m against pills, but all NFL players need to relieve the pain.

Football hurts and muscles don’t recover in a day. Plus if Randy goes to the Seahawks or Broncos, he can legally procure his medicine in the off-season. And maybe next time he’ll prepare better for his league test.

Next: 5 QBs poised to breakout in 2015

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