Dallas Cowboys: Not all smooth sailing for Randy Gregory under new CBA

The NFL’s handling of positive marijuana tests, change under the new CBA but that doesn’t mean things are all smooth sailing for the Dallas Cowboys’ Randy Gregory

Under the rules of newly agreed upon Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the NFL will soften it’s stance towards positive marijuana tests. This comes as a shock to no one since the league was expected to lighten up with the recent trend of state legalization. And with some states even legislating to restrict corporate discrimination in marijuana hiring practices , it was only a matter of time before the NFL caved on their outdated hard-line stance. This is good news for Dallas Cowboys fans.

The Dallas Cowboys have had two potentially significant players punished under the NFL substance abuse policy (Randy Gregory and David Irving). The former is currently serving an indefinite suspension and the latter retired altogether following multiple violations (more on him tomorrow).

With marijuana seemingly decriminalized, it’s good news for Randy Gregory, right?

Well, kinda. You see the NFL isn’t totally embracing weed as an alternative medicine. Reports indicate they still plan to test for it and issue penalties for it. They just aren’t going to suspend for it anymore.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Terez Paylor, the NFL could fine players anywhere from half-a-game’s salary to three game checks for a positive test. While that’s an improvement upon the old policy, it’s hardly welcoming.

Randy Gregory, who uses marijuana partially to treat his mental health issues, still stands to be punished significantly under the new policy. Additionally, just because the policy changed doesn’t mean he’s suddenly back in good standing. Gregory filed for reinstatement earlier in the year and as of yet, nothing has changed regarding his status on the commissioners suspended list.