NFL Linebacker Randy Gregory Sues League and Former Team Over Discrimination

Former NFL linebacker Randy Gregory is suing the league and his former team, the Denver Broncos, for alleged discrimination over fines he received for using prescribed medication.

Former NFL linebacker Randy Gregory is suing the league and his former team, the Denver Broncos, over fines he received for using prescribed medication. Gregory alleges that he was discriminated against under Colorado law when he was denied the option to take dronabinol, a medication used to treat social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Gregory, who played for the Broncos in 2022 and 2023 before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers, was fined a total of $532,500 for allegedly taking medication containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active ingredient in marijuana. Gregory claims that he was prescribed dronabinol to treat his social anxiety and PTSD, but was denied the option to take the prescribed medicine.

In his lawsuit, Gregory argues that the NFL's denial of his request to use dronabinol is discriminatory under Colorado law, which prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their medical condition. The lawsuit also names the Broncos as a defendant, alleging that they were involved in the decision to deny Gregory's request.

The NFL has made changes to its policies related to THC in recent years. Players who do test positive for THC no longer face suspensions. However, THC is still on the league's banned substances list, which means players could face fines after testing positive.

The NFL-NFLPA substance abuse policy is collectively bargained and administered by a jointly appointed third-party medical professional. The policy states that players can apply for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for the use of a banned substance if they have a medical condition that requires the use of the substance.

Gregory's lawsuit claims that he was denied a TUE for the use of dronabinol, even though he had a valid medical prescription for the medication. The lawsuit alleges that the NFL and the Broncos discriminated against Gregory because of his medical condition.

The Broncos have not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit. The team declined to comment when contacted by The Associated Press.

Gregory is seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages, and an injunction preventing the NFL and the Broncos from further discriminating against him.

The lawsuit is a significant development in the ongoing debate over the NFL's substance abuse policy. It will be closely watched by players, teams, and the NFL Players Association.

Gregory's lawsuit could have a major impact on the NFL's substance abuse policy. If he is successful in his lawsuit, it could lead to changes in the way the NFL handles players who use prescribed medication. It could also lead to the NFL reconsidering its prohibition on the use of THC.

Gregory's lawsuit is a reminder that the NFL's substance abuse policy is still a work in progress. The league is constantly evaluating its policies and procedures to ensure that they are fair and consistent. Gregory's lawsuit will likely force the NFL to take a closer look at its policy on the use of prescribed medication.

Gregory's lawsuit is not the first time the NFL has been sued over its substance abuse policy. In 2020, a group of former NFL players filed a lawsuit against the league, alleging that the NFL's drug testing program was discriminatory and unconstitutional. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed, but it raised important questions about the NFL's drug testing policies.

Gregory's lawsuit is the latest in a series of challenges to the NFL's substance abuse policy. The league will likely face more lawsuits in the future as players continue to challenge the NFL's policies on the use of prescribed medication and other banned substances.