Let’s start by saying that TMZ is hardly Pew, Gallup or Quinnipiac when it comes to legitimate polling. And we’ll also say that the anonymous polling of 10 individuals within a large league is hardly proper, scientific methodology.
That said, marijuana use in professional sports is a hot topic — one an increasing number of players are passionate about in the NFL, NBA and beyond. And when TMZ Sports asked 10 active NBA players about their feelings on the legalization and rulemaking surrounding cannabis, all of the ballers told the organization that they want the league to allow the use of marijuana.
The anonymous TMZ poll comes at an important crossroads in this conversation. Oklahoma City Thunder star player Kevin Durant was caught on camera while partying in Hollywood in late-May with what looked like a prescription bottle of weed, which fell out of his SUV as he was getting in. It was newsworthy because of Durant’s star-power and the league’s anti-cannabis policy — and most outlets failed to report that Durant currently hails from a state that is attempting to sue Colorado over its recreational marijuana program in the U.S. Supreme Court.
From TMZ’s anonymous polling of NBA players:
10 out of 10 active NBA players believe it’s time to LEGALIZE medicinal marijuana in the NBA … and the recent video of Kevin Durant dropping prescription pot in L.A. is only fueling the pro-weed fire.
Here’s the dilemma … since Rx weed is already legal in several states, should the league continue to outlaw the green stuff if a player has a legitimate prescription from a doctor???
We asked 10 active NBA players (all of whom wanted to remain anonymous) … and they all made it very clear — it’s time to legalize it!!!
According to TMZ, the players support the idea of marijuana as medicine — a hurdle already conquered by more than 20 states in the U.S.
One player told the site: “How can you tell a guy with a prescription not to use it? They should be allowed to have their medicine.”
Another said: “The NBA shouldn’t advertise for it, but I don’t see an issue if a player uses (with a prescription).”
TMZ reportedly spoke with the NBA Players Association, which said “the issue could be on the table at the next collective bargaining session in 2017,” according to the site.
“It’s too early to say if this is an issue that the members want to address in the next round of bargaining,” the players association told TMZ.
