Pubdate: Thu, 16 Jun 2016
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2016 The New York Times Company
Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/lettertoeditor.html
Website: http://www.nytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298
Author: Ken Belson

FOOTBALL; RAVENS RELEASE MARIJUANA BACKER

Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Eugene Monroe was released 
Wednesday, several months after he had publicly called on the N.F.L. 
to let players use medical marijuana to treat injuries.

Though retired N.F.L. players have advocated for the use of medical 
marijuana, Monroe is one of the few active players who have taken 
that stance. Medical marijuana, he said, is safer and healthier than 
prescription painkillers, which can be addictive.

Monroe, who is now a free agent, said he would continue to call on 
the league to loosen its stance, regardless of whether he continues 
to play in the N.F.L. Commissioner Roger Goodell has said only that 
the league's advisers continue to evaluate the issue.

In a statement, Monroe acknowledged that he had been hampered by 
injuries. Adam Schefter of ESPN also reported that the Ravens had 
tried to trade Monroe to the Giants but that the talks had fallen through.

Still, Monroe questioned whether his advocacy might have also played 
a role in his release.

"I can't say for sure whether or not my stance on medical cannabis 
was the reason the Ravens released me," Monroe said. "However, as 
I've said in the past, they have distanced themselves from me and 
made it clear that they do not support my advocacy."

A team spokesman said Monroe had been released but declined to say 
whether his stance on medical marijuana had been part of the reason.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom