Bucs’ Randy Gregory Sues NFL, Broncos; Alleges Discrimination, Fines for Using THC

Randy Gregory has filed a lawsuit against the NFL and the Denver Broncos stemming from more than $500,000 in fines he has received over the past year-plus.

Per Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post, Gregory claimed he is being discriminated against in the complaint filed Wednesday in Arapahoe County District Court.

Gregory claimed he was prescribed Dronabinol, which includes THC, to treat social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Peter Schaffer, Gregory’s agent, told Gabriel the lawsuit is part of an effort to “push the NFL forward on alternative methods for pain management options” and pointed out some of the contradictions in how the league’s policy is currently set up:

“If a doctor prescribes hydrocodone, that’s completely legal and much worse for the player, yet the player doesn’t get suspended or fined. Randy’s not trying to buck the system, but he’s paying $500,000 in fines for something that anybody else in the state of Colorado can do. All we want is reasonable accommodation to allow Randy to treat his disabilities at the direction of his treating physician.”

THC is one of the two main cannabinoids in marijuana. The NFL continues to test players for marijuana use, but the most recent collective bargaining agreement that was ratified in March 2020 did away with suspensions for players who test positive.

Gabriel noted drug tests that return positive for THC are still subject to fines from the NFL because it’s considered a banned substance by the league.

The Broncos are named in the suit, but they don’t play a role in administering fines for players connected to drug testing.

Schaffer noted Gregory has sought permission on two different occasions to use synthetic THC Dronabinol. His first request to the league and Broncos in March 2023 was denied. Schaffer filed for a therapeutic use exemption two months later that was also denied.

According to his complaint, Gregory has been fined $532,500 since March 2023 for multiple positive THC tests. He is seeking damages stemming from the league’s and Broncos’ “unwillingness” to provide him with “reasonable accommodation” due to his diagnosed disabilities.

It’s unclear how many times Gregory has been fined, but penalties escalate with each subsequent failed test.

Per Gabriel, Gregory was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder in 2021 and post-traumatic stress disorder in 2023.

Gregory signed a five-year, $70 million contract with the Broncos in March 2022. He appeared in 10 games with the club over two seasons before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers in October 2023.

The 31-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent in April.