Ex-Bronco Reuben Droughns gets real Mile High salute -- from Drug Enforcement Administration investigating marijuana grow in his house

What do former pro football players do once their careers are over? The rise of the medical marijuana industry in Colorado provides a possible answer owing to one simple fact: A helluva lot of athletes love weed. Unfortunately, though, there can still be complications -- like the ones currently embroiling...

By Michael Roberts

January 22, 2010

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What do former pro football players do once their careers are over? The rise of the medical marijuana industry in Colorado provides a possible answer owing to one simple fact: A helluva lot of athletes love weed.

Unfortunately, though, there can still be complications -- like the ones currently embroiling ex-Broncos running back Reuben Droughns, who's reportedly under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration for operating a marijuana grow in his Centennial home.

According to Channel 31's Julie Hayden, who got the scoop on the story, Droughns is claiming a medical marijuana defense.

Although Droughns was unable to show agents a medical marijuana license, his mother and brother did.

Hayden notes that Droughns was not under arrest as of last night -- and there's a good chance he'll skate given the current confusion over medical marijuana laws in the state, as documented in blogs like this one and this one.

Besides, now that he's out of the NFL (he was released by his last team, the New York Giants, in February 2009), what do you expect him to do? Not smoke pot?

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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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