Randy Gregory, a veteran NFL linebacker, is suing the NFL and the Denver Broncos for alleged discrimination over fines totaling $532,500 that he received. The fines were related to Gregory’s alleged use of medication containing THC during his time with the Broncos. Gregory stated that he was prescribed dronabinol for social anxiety and PTSD but was denied the option to take the prescribed medicine. The lawsuit argues that this denial is discriminatory under Colorado law, despite recent changes by the NFL that no longer result in suspensions for players who test positive for THC.
The NFL’s substance abuse policy, collectively bargained and administered by a third-party medical professional, is being challenged by Gregory’s lawsuit. The complaint states that Gregory was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder in 2021 and PTSD in February 2023, with his requests to use dronabinol during nonwork hours and for a therapeutic use exemption being denied by both the Broncos and the NFL. Gregory, who has recorded 22 sacks over seven NFL seasons, was selected in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft and spent his first five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, where he was suspended multiple times for violating the league’s drug policies. He was traded to the San Francisco 49ers after appearing in six games in 2022 and four games in 2023.
While the Broncos are named in the lawsuit, teams do not have a direct role in fining players for violations of the NFL’s substance policies, which are overseen by a jointly appointed third-party medical professional. The NFL has made changes to its policies in recent years, such as players testing positive for THC no longer facing suspensions, but the substance remains on the league’s banned substances list. The Broncos have not publicly commented on the lawsuit, and Gregory signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in April. It is important to note that the information in this report was contributed to by The Associated Press and that Fox News Digital also covers sports on X and offers a subscription to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Overall, Randy Gregory’s lawsuit against the NFL and the Denver Broncos sheds light on the complexities of the league’s substance abuse policies and the challenges faced by players seeking to address mental health issues while navigating the strict regulations of professional football. Despite recent changes to the NFL’s policies regarding THC, including the elimination of suspensions for positive tests, players like Gregory continue to face potential fines for violations. The lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate over the treatment of mental health conditions in professional sports and the importance of ensuring that players have access to appropriate medical care while complying with league rules. It remains to be seen how this legal action will impact discussions around player welfare and the enforcement of substance abuse policies in the NFL.
