NFL star Randy Gregory sues league, team over marijuana fines

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Randy Gregory is suing the NFL and his former team, the Denver Broncos, over more than $500,000 in fines he incurred over positive marijuana tests. 

Gregory, 31, is suing both the league and team under Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Act, claiming that he used synthetic THC – the active ingredient in marijuana – to treat social-anxiety disorder and PTSD.

The fines were imposed between March 6, 2023 and June 5, 2024, when Gregory filed the complaint. Gregory had sought an accommodation for the league to continue using Dronabinol, a synthetic form of THC, but was unsuccessful. 

Although the league no longer suspends players for marijuana use, players can be fined several weeks’ salary, depending on the number of positive tests they produce. Players who refuse testing can face suspension.

‘Mr. Gregory requested an accommodation from the NFL and Broncos to consume Dronabinol to treat his disabilities,’ reads the civil suit, obtained by DailyMail.com. ‘Specifically, Mr. Gregory sought to consume Dronabinol, which is synthetic cannabis, at the direction of his treating physician during non-work hours.’

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‘Since requesting an accommodation, Mr. Gregory has paid $532,500 in penalties to the NFL for consuming THC to treat his disabilities,’ the filing continues. ‘Regardless of a positive test, Mr. Gregory is expected to play in every game, attend practice, attend media sessions, and fulfil his job responsibilities. In other words, he cannot be suspended for a positive test alone. Significantly, the NFL and the Broncos profited from Mr. Gregory’s continued employment.’

Gregory also claims that his symptoms are exacerbated by life in the NFL. 

‘Mr. Gregory’s job exacerbates the symptoms of his disabilities, and in turn, his disabilities negatively impact his ability to perform his responsibilities as a professional football player, both on and off the field,’ the filing continues. 

‘Specifically, Mr. Gregory’s disabilities directly affect his ability 3 to focus and perform in stressful and high-pressure situations, study the playbook and film, interact with coaches and teammates, and engage with the media. The medication Dronabinol prescribed by his physician is the best treatment option for Mr. Gregory.’

Both NFL and Broncos spokespeople declined to comment when contacted by DailyMail.com.  

As suggested by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, a trained lawyer, the league and team are expected to push for the case to be resolved through mediation rather than civil court under the terms of the collective-bargaining agreement.

Gregory was traded from the Broncos to the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, ultimately playing in a Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and has since signed with the Bucs.

Marijuana has been legal in Colorado since 2012.