In a groundbreaking legal move, former Denver Broncos pass-rusher Randy Gregory has initiated a lawsuit against the NFL and his former team, alleging discriminatory practices related to fines imposed for his use of prescribed medications, including THC. Gregory, who now plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, claims that over the past year, he has accrued more than $500,000 in fines for utilizing Dronabinol to manage his social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The lawsuit, filed in Arapahoe County District Court on Wednesday, argues that Gregory's use of Dronabinol was medically necessary and prescribed to address his diagnosed disabilities. Despite this, Gregory was fined repeatedly for positive THC tests. Although the NFL has ceased suspensions for THC use, it remains a banned substance, and players are still subject to financial penalties for positive tests.
In his complaint, Gregory contends that he sought approval from both the Broncos and the NFL to use Dronabinol during non-work hours, beginning in March 2023, but was denied. Subsequent requests for a therapeutic use exemption were also refused. As a result, Gregory accumulated fines amounting to $532,500 since March 2023.
Gregory’s agent, Peter Schaffer, emphasized that the fines are disproportionately harsh compared to the use of other, legally prescribed medications such as hydrocodone, which can have more severe side effects. "Randy is not challenging the system for the sake of it but is seeking a reasonable accommodation that reflects his medical needs," Schaffer stated.
The Denver Broncos, named in the lawsuit, maintain that they adhere strictly to the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement regarding drug testing and enforcement. The team declined to comment further on the case, and the NFL has yet to respond to inquiries.
This legal battle raises significant questions about the NFL’s current drug policies and their accommodation of players with medical needs. The outcome could potentially pave the way for changes in how the league manages and penalizes the use of medically necessary but banned substances.
Gregory’s past includes multiple suspensions for drug policy violations during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, which makes his current pursuit particularly notable as it highlights ongoing issues with how the NFL handles player health and medicinal use.
As the case unfolds, it stands to impact not only Gregory’s career but also the broader conversation around alternative pain management and disability accommodations in professional sports.
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