The NFL in its next round of CBA negotiations is "prepared to make major concessions regarding the substance-abuse policy, especially as it relates to marijuana," according to a source cited by Mike Florio of PRO FOOTBALL TALK. Details of the concessions are not known, though a "complete abandonment (and implicit legalization) of marijuana is possible." But if the league "goes in that direction it would need to have a procedure in place for players who are charged criminally with marijuana-related offenses in the states where marijuana continues to be banned." Already, the NFL's "relaxation of its anti-marijuana stance has become apparent." With "players like Josh Gordon, Martavis Bryant, and Randy Gregory, the league has subtly but unmistakably been lenient in the application of the rules that apply after a reinstatement." Florio: "So why not just dump the marijuana ban now?" The problem is that the NFL "can't start abandoning its rights without a concession" from the NFLPA, and the union will "make no concessions when it comes to a once-per-year marijuana testing procedure." So the "best way to back off would be to pitch the cannabis issue into the broader stew" of CBA talks (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 3/6).
