“Are You Ok with NFL Players Smoking Weed Before Games?”

Former Michigan State running back Le’Veon Bell said on a recent podcast that he smoked marijuana before games.

“When I was playing football, I smoked, bro. Even before the games, I’d smoke and I’d go out there and run for 150, two (touchdowns),” Bell said.

Bell had quite the run of success with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In five seasons he scored 35 touchdowns and averaged 4.3 yards per carry. That included two All-Pro teams.

Clearly smoking weed before games wasn’t hurting his game.

But that does beg the question fans should ask themselves. Would they be ok knowing players on their favorite NFL team are smoking weed prior to kick-off?

I’m sure there will be a variety of answers. Some of you won’t care at all. Some are more opposed of marijuana and wouldn’t want people to do it at all. And that’s perfectly fine. Either side is entitled to their opinion.

I’ll admit, personally I would prefer the players not smoke weed prior to games. But I guess if my superstar quarterback can do that and still play at a high level (no pun intended), can I really complain?

Would the NFL Ever Allow It?

The league’s tone and policies towards marijuana has softened in recent years. Players are only tested once near the start of training camp now. And most players who smoke will tell you it’s fairly easy to avoid testing positive.

But would there ever be a day where the NFL would support smoking prior to a game? I doubt that.

Remember, the NFL is a business at the end of the day. And there are likely sponsors that wouldn’t partner with the NFL supporting marijuana usage while playing the game.

Now that doesn’t mean the NFL would enforce rules against players smoking prior to kick-off. They just might not publicly support it. Those are two different things.

But we all know the NFL is in the making money business. And if a big-time sponsor gives them less money because players are smoking prior to games. The NFL will side with the almighty dollar first over the players.

Have Any Effect on Gambling?

The other fascinating question is would knowing Player A smokes weed prior to games have any effect on gambling and fantasy sports?

Again, this would probably come down to your own personal beliefs on marijuana in general. But maybe you would pass on a guy in the middle of your fantasy draft because he smokes weed. Even if you aren’t super opposed to marijuana.

It’s an interesting topic to think about.

Maybe NFL Next Gen Stats would figure out the Cincinnati Bengals do better in late afternoon games because Joe Burrow has a longer time to come down from his high. Or maybe a certain team does better on the road in states that haven’t legalized marijuana yet.

This all might sound kind of stupid but I think for the average fan it’s an out of sight, out of mind type of thing. We might know that some of these players smoke weed. But once we hear that they’re doing it during the season and before games, it might change some people’s opinion.