Randy Gregory is suing the NFL and his former team over the fines he received for his marijuana use.
The NFL has taken a softer stance on cannabis in recent times. And, for the most part, players no longer have to worry about suspensions. But they can still get fined.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Randy Gregory is now looking to get his money back after incurring over $500,000 in fines.
According to BusinessDen’s Justin Wingerter, Gregory is suing both the league and the Denver Broncos under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, arguing that he needs THC to treat social anxiety disorder and PTSD but was still fined after testing positive.
“Mr. Gregory requested an accommodation from the NFL and Broncos to consume Dronabinol to treat his disabilities,” the civil complaint from Randy Gregory reads.
“Specifically, Mr. Gregory sought to consume Dronabinol, which is synthetic cannabis, at the direction of his treating physician during non-work hours. 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.
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“Regardless of a positive test, Mr. Gregory is expected to play in every game, attend practice, attend media sessions, and fulfil his job responsibilities. In other words, he cannot be suspended for a positive test alone. Significantly, the NFL and the Broncos profited from Mr. Gregory’s continued employment.”
Randy Gregory Could Be Steered Away From Court
Gregory tried getting special dispensation from the NFL last March, but his requests fell on deaf ears.
While the Broncos weren’t the ones who fined him, Gregory reckons the team had a duty to accommodate his disabilities.
Randy Gregory might not be able to take the matter to court. That’s because the league and the Broncos are likely to argue that the case should be handled under the procedures for the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Should that happen, it would weaken his case significantly.
Gregory was traded to the San Francisco 49ers last season but has since moved to Tampa Bay. Those two teams weren’t named in the lawsuit.
