The Ricky William marijuana issue is just stupid (1 Viewer)

[pokersteve]

Why does the NFL even test for marijuana? I really would not consider pot to give some one an edge over other players. I know that it gives makes the NFL look bad to some people, but why even test for something like weed. Ricky Williams is a great player, but he keeps destroying his career by smoking pot. I think the NFL should not test for marijuana, but I also think that Ricky William's gets paid enought money not to smoke it.

Steve

 

[Bojang0301]

because it's illegal?

 

[tattoofan]

Maybe because it is illegal?

 

[CGRdrJoe]

So are steriods but those get masked left and right. Performance enhancing drugs are while recreational drugs are not even though pot growing in Berkley, CA is allowed.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Comment on the hot topic of the day, get discussion startted otherwise, and sneak in two plugs for your own website. I see marketing 101 has been good to you.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Speeding on the freeway is illegal too. Punished by the law tougher too. Most places, you have to have over an oz to even get cited. I've gotten a few tickets for doing 10-15 over and 40 over will get you thrown in jail.

 

[Pots]

If Ricky is stupid enough to put his millions at stake 4 friggin times in a row, then he desrves to ruin his career.

 

[pokersteve]

I understand the marijuana is illegal and it's something that should not be promoted to kids. But really what right does the league have to test someone for something that offers no performance edge.

 

[wannabee]

would you feel the same if it were LSD or crank?

 

[pokersteve]

You have a good point. If the drug whether it's pot or crack is affecting a players game then a drug test should be given and action should be taken from there. Smoking a joint once and a awhile has no bearing on a players career. Again you do have a good point.

 

[The Amalgamated]

It's quite simple, people who smoke pot should be denied jobs, especially those as important as NFL Running Back.

 

[Cookiemonster]

would you feel the same if it were LSD or crank?

Amphetamines are widely regarded as performance enhancing, so crank/crack etc I would have to say yes. While you're more likely to suffer a heart attack, its because you can push yourself past exhaustion. LSD... is illegal to test for (spinal tap) w/o consent for good reason.

 

[wannabee]

maybe, just maybe, the NFL cares about the welfare of its players and this could be a reason. In addition, think of the image the NFL has built dating back to Pete Rozelle. Do you really think the NFL (and its family-friendly image) wants to be known as easy on drug use?

 

[wannabee]

would you feel the same if it were LSD or crank?

Amphetamines are widely regarded as performance enhancing, so crank/crack etc I would have to say yes. While you're more likely to suffer a heart attack, its because you can push yourself past exhaustion. LSD... is illegal to test for (spinal tap) w/o consent for good reason.

I was throwing it out because the original poster thought it was ok to smoke pot and the players should be able to smoke, too. I agree. But, the point was other drugs.

 

[Dreamer]

 

[pokersteve]

True, but why test for it? Why let everyone in the country know that an NFL player smokes pot.

 

[wannabee]

Would it help or hurt the NFL image if they were known as easy on drug use?

 

[pokersteve]

The MLB and NHL are known as being easy on drug use, the NFL is looked at highly because of their drug policies. I think that you and I agree on a lot when it comes to this issue. There is no room in the NFL for performance enhancing drugs, but pot does not give anyone an advantage and when used irregularly does not hurt a player. If someone drank or smoked cigarettes the league would not say anything. It should be the job of a coach or GM to address these types of problems, not the league wrecking a great football players career.

 

[Bri]

It's my understanding that an NFL player in "the treatment program" may not drink alcohol. I certainly don't think that that same person should be permitted to toke.

Ricky needs to grow up, it's as simple as that. He's not in college anymore partying late at night but instead he's a father now.

 

[wannabee]

The MLB and NHL are known as being easy on drug use, the NFL is looked at highly because of their drug policies. I think that you and I agree on a lot when it comes to this issue. There is no room in the NFL for performance enhancing drugs, but pot does not give anyone an advantage and when used irregularly does not hurt a player. If someone drank or smoked cigarettes the league would not say anything. It should be the job of a coach or GM to address these types of problems, not the league wrecking a great football players career.

NFL=IMAGE And, the league was not the one that wrecked Ricky's career. Ricky knew the policy.

 

[roadkill1292]

I'm on board with the original poster on this one. The NFL should not concern itself with non-performance enhancing substances. A RB is not operating an airplane or heavy equipment.

Now, if his immediate employer believes that marijuana use is preventing him from realizing his full potential, then it should be able to take whatever action it deems necessary.

 

[Sopranos]

Rules are rules,deal with it.

 

[pokersteve]

I agree that Ricky Williams is a moron for smoking dope with the rules. He gets paid enough money to stay away from pot. I don't agree with the rule in the first place. I like the idea of a coach being able to deal with the issue if it's problem like any other job.

 

[PsychoMan]

I'm on board with the original poster on this one. The NFL should not concern itself with non-performance enhancing substances. A RB is not operating an airplane or heavy equipment.

Now, if his immediate employer believes that marijuana use is preventing him from realizing his full potential, then it should be able to take whatever action it deems necessary.

I think you have a point here, but maybe the NFL believes marijuana use does prevent players from utilizing their full potential.

 

[Bri]

I like the idea of a coach being able to deal with the issue if it's problem like any other job.

A coach is not a drug counselor nor do I think any of them aspire to be one

 

[snogger]

Look at it this way.

NBA doesn't test, 70% or more admit to using it.. T.V. Viewership stinks, league is a disaster and is trying to pull itself out of the crap hole by forceing players to cover up Jewelery instead of fixing the true image problem which is Thugs and Drugs.

NFL on the other hand tries their best to keep all drugs out and let's players arrive at the games the way they want.

Defintly have some thugs, but little drugs and ratings are sky rocketing...

hmmm, which way is better??????

 

[BoulderBob]

We, unfortunately, live in the wrong time-period regarding this issue. I have faith in logic, so I believe this error will be corrected in the future. Ricky Williams was a great running back, and it's unfortunate his career had to end this way.

 

[coolnerd]

I'm on board with the original poster on this one. The NFL should not concern itself with non-performance enhancing substances. A RB is not operating an airplane or heavy equipment.

Now, if his immediate employer believes that marijuana use is preventing him from realizing his full potential, then it should be able to take whatever action it deems necessary.

I think you have a point here, but maybe the NFL believes marijuana use does prevent players from utilizing their full potential.

If I am not mistaken, the players union approves the drug policy. Meaning that the players themselves have agreed that the right to a $250,000 + a year job is worth more than the "right" to smoke an drug that is illegal (rightly or wrongly)

 

[mad sweeney]

So are steriods but those get masked left and right. Performance enhancing drugs are while recreational drugs are not even though pot growing in Berkley, CA is allowed.

Weed can be masked just as easily. You can pull a bait & switch like the Whizzinator. Or you can drink any variety of goop found at your local headshop to cover the "scent" in your pee. In fact Ricky admitted to using it in the past when he first retired.And pot growing in Berkely (or anywhere in the US) is still not legal at the federal level.

Ricky knew the rules, the rules are there despite what any of you think about rec drugs, and Ricky violated the rules. Period. All other arguments fall aside.

And the CBA is up after this year (maybe next) so if the players feel soooo opressed they can have weed taken out of the list before they sign their next contract. And then you can have more Koren Robinson drops, or SODs running the wrong routes. Weed isn't performance enhancing, but it can sure as hell detract from it. If I'm paying somoene NFL money, I want them clear eyed and ready to rumble, not stoned and missing the weight room so they can watch Friday again.

And for the record, I'm an avowed pothead who feels it's criminal to keep medical marijuana illegal and it should be egalized in totality. Packed and taxed, just like cigs, but without as much lung cancer risks.

 

[BigRed]

Speeding on the freeway is illegal too.

lmao - good comparison I see you're from California. Shocking. I'm all like, dude.

GB coddling "superstars" I hope the NFLPA sues the NFL's butt for this oppression.

 

[pokersteve]

There a lot of people smart people who have important jobs that smoke pot. Watch what happens with this whole story, the media jumps on it and get bad PR. I think it would be better the address a player about drugs if it is hurting his ability to do his job. Smoking once and awhile will not make a difference, I mean come on its the same as having a beer once a night. I can be a problem when used too much.

 

[pinequick]

Why does the NFL even test for marijuana?  I really would not consider pot to give some one an edge over other players.  I know that it gives makes the NFL look bad to some people, but why even test for something like weed.  Ricky Williams is a great player, but he keeps destroying his career by smoking pot.  I think the NFL should not test for marijuana, but I also think that Ricky William's gets paid enought money not to smoke it.

Steve

NFL Legends

There is NO WAY I can support a site like the one above. Seriously. Click on it. Really.

 

[wannabee]

Why does the NFL even test for marijuana?  I really would not consider pot to give some one an edge over other players.  I know that it gives makes the NFL look bad to some people, but why even test for something like weed.  Ricky Williams is a great player, but he keeps destroying his career by smoking pot.  I think the NFL should not test for marijuana, but I also think that Ricky William's gets paid enought money not to smoke it.

Steve

NFL Legends

There is NO WAY I can support a site like the one above. Seriously. Click on it. Really.

 

[J-Money]

If someone drank or smoked cigarettes the league would not say anything.

Tell that to Kerry Collins and Lenard Little (sp?).Although i do agree, weed isn't a performance enhancing drug and shouldn't be tested for at any job. As long as you don't show up high what's wrong with chillin out with the munchies in your spare time?

 

[pokersteve]

Why does the NFL even test for marijuana? I really would not consider pot to give some one an edge over other players. I know that it gives makes the NFL look bad to some people, but why even test for something like weed. Ricky Williams is a great player, but he keeps destroying his career by smoking pot. I think the NFL should not test for marijuana, but I also think that Ricky William's gets paid enought money not to smoke it.

Steve

NFL Legends

There is NO WAY I can support a site like the one above. Seriously. Click on it. Really.

What's wrong with the site? I'm open to feedback.

 

[wannabee]

Why does the NFL even test for marijuana?  I really would not consider pot to give some one an edge over other players.  I know that it gives makes the NFL look bad to some people, but why even test for something like weed.  Ricky Williams is a great player, but he keeps destroying his career by smoking pot.  I think the NFL should not test for marijuana, but I also think that Ricky William's gets paid enought money not to smoke it.

Steve

NFL Legends

There is NO WAY I can support a site like the one above. Seriously. Click on it. Really.

What's wrong with the site? I'm open to feedback.

click his link

 

[P Boy]

Why does the NFL even test for marijuana?  I really would not consider pot to give some one an edge over other players.  I think the NFL should not test for marijuanaSteve

Perhaps when you become commissioner of the NFL, or head of the Players' union you can push for that.The NFL is big business, and they understand succinctly how winking at problems with illegal use of drugs would affect their bottom line. Ask MLB how their public relations are working out right now. You've got a whole generation of home run kings who now are completely & reasonably suspect. Steve Howe's & Doc Gooden's repeated troubles made MLB baseball a laughing stock.

 

[packersfan]

I'm on board with the original poster on this one. The NFL should not concern itself with non-performance enhancing substances. A RB is not operating an airplane or heavy equipment.

Now, if his immediate employer believes that marijuana use is preventing him from realizing his full potential, then it should be able to take whatever action it deems necessary.

I think you have a point here, but maybe the NFL believes marijuana use does prevent players from utilizing their full potential.

In the case of Ricky Williams it's pretty damn clear it did prevent him from utilizing his full potential. I'd say two year-long absences, the second possibly career-ending, during the prime of his career is strong proof of someone whose use of pot prevented him from utilizing and realizing his full potential.

 

[Slinger]

Comment on the hot topic of the day, get discussion startted otherwise, and sneak in two plugs for your own website. I see marketing 101 has been good to you.

Seriously. It's a joke.

 

[Pots]

We, unfortunately, live in the wrong time-period regarding this issue. I have faith in logic, so I believe this error will be corrected in the future. Ricky Williams was a great running back, and it's unfortunate his career had to end this way.

He was a very good runningback and its unfortunate that he was STUPID enough to have no regard for an NFL rule and throw away millions of dollars by failing not one, not two, but FOUR drug tests. A lot of talent yes, but no brain.As for people saying that the rule is oto strict, what would happen if at your job, you failed 4 drug tests? I'm pretty sure you wouldn't have made it to the 3rd chance.

 

[Noahs Troopers]

How many guys get tossed out of the NFL for a 4th violation? Dexter Manley, Ricky Williams and ?????

These two guys are stupid, it's not a high % of players getting nailed 4 times so let them suffer the consequences for their own stupidity, don't defend these tools.

 

[Mik789fl]

because it's illegal?

BINGO!

 

[AB in DC]

because it's illegal?

BINGO!

So is beating your wife.ittman:

:mcmichael:

 

[BigJim®]

I think it's a good idea. I've heard that pot contaminates your pee.

 

[JohnnyU]

I think it's a horrible drug. I smoked it once and started posting at FBGs, now I post here all the time. Don't tell me it doesn't lead you to a more harsh addiction.

 

[Trig2U]

Actually, marijuana is legal in California (and several other states) when prescribed by a doctor. I'm almost certain that Ricky has such a prescription.

Obviously, Ricky was foolish to risk his career this way, but that said, it's equally asinine that the drug policy doesn't distinguish between marijuana and dangerous and/or performance-enhancing substances like steroids, amphetimine etc.

Can you imagine what would happen if major pro sports booted out every player who smokes weed? From that perspective the whole thing is pretty much a charade.

 

[Courtjester]

It is a condition of his employment--bottom line.

My employment has conditions that I think are pretty stupid, but if I violate them, I will get warned and then I if keep doing it after being warned, I will be fired.

How hard is this for people to understand? It doesn't matter what people think about drugs, this boils down to the fact there is a rule that was agreed upon by all parties involved, he broke the rule not once but four times. He deserves everything he gets based on stupidity alone.

 

[roadkill1292]

It is a condition of his employment--bottom line.

My employment has conditions that I think are pretty stupid, but if I violate them, I will get warned and then I if keep doing it after being warned, I will be fired.

How hard is this for people to understand? It doesn't matter what people think about drugs, this boils down to the fact there is a rule that was agreed upon by all parties involved, he broke the rule not once but four times. He deserves everything he gets based on stupidity alone.

I can't argue with any of this. But what I'm saying is that MJ shouldn't be a banned substance, not that it isn't.

 

[BigRed]

How hard is this for people to understand?

You have no idea where you are, do you

 

[JohnnyU]

How hard is this for people to understand?

You have no idea where you are, do you

I thought his post made perfect sense.