Randy Gregory, a pass-rusher now playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has filed a lawsuit against the NFL and the Denver Broncos. He claims that he was fined $532,500 for taking medication containing THC to treat his disabilities during his brief time in Denver. The complaint, filed in Arapahoe County District Court, states that Gregory was prescribed Dronabinol for social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders. Despite this, he was denied accommodations to use this medicine.
The NFL and the Broncos have both refused to comment on Gregory’s lawsuit. It is worth noting that the NFL no longer suspends players for testing positive for THC, although it remains a banned substance subject to fines. Although the Broncos are named in the lawsuit, teams do not play a direct role in the fining of players for violating the league’s drug policies. The substances of abuse policy is collectively bargained and managed by a jointly appointed third-party medical professional.
According to the complaint, Gregory was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder in 2021 and post-traumatic stress disorder in February 2023. Despite this, his request to use Dronabinol during non-work hours was denied by the Broncos and the NFL in March 2023. Subsequent requests for a therapeutic use exemption were also rejected. As a result, Gregory has faced fines totaling $532,500 for multiple positive THC tests since March 2023.
The crux of Gregory’s lawsuit is the claim that the league and the club’s refusal to provide accommodations for his disabilities is discriminatory under Colorado law. This legal battle sheds light on the challenges faced by NFL players seeking treatment for mental health issues and the complex interplay between league policies and state laws. Despite his struggles with suspensions and injuries during his NFL career, Gregory has managed to secure a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Randy Gregory’s case highlights the ongoing debate over medical treatment for NFL players and the need for a more nuanced approach to accommodating players with disabilities. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for how the league handles players’ health and wellness moving forward.