Readers: Here's Why the NFL Won't Lift Its Marijuana Ban

We recently posted about NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's claim that the league's marijuana ban is "the correct policy." Goodell's statement, made just before Super Bowl 50, retreated from previous statements suggesting a willingness to consider altering the NFL's treatment of the substance, not to mention advocacy by plenty of former...

By Michael Roberts

February 12, 2016

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We recently posted about NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's claim that the league's marijuana ban is "the correct policy."

Goodell's statement, made just before Super Bowl 50, retreated from previous statements suggesting a willingness to consider altering the NFL's treatment of the substance, not to mention advocacy by plenty of former players, who say cannabis provides them with much needed medical relief.

Readers reacted strongly to the post, with several floating a theory about the real reason Goodell is reluctant to make changes.

It involves dollars, cents and libations.

Cole Whitaker writes:

Too many alcohol sponsors for him to say otherwise. Shameful.

Kevin Bradfield writes:

Because alcohol is a better drug???

Blain Myhre writes:

Plus, beer sponsorship money really helps pay my salary, says Roger.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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