The recent revelation of using marijuana for chronic pain by Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has opened up a discussion about the NBA policy on the drug and now former NBA All-Star Clauncey Billups has made his voice heard.
Speaking on ESPN’s NBA Countdown, Billups stated that marijuana is a safer pain-relief alternative as compared to the pain killers that are provided to players.
Billups told a panel that included Michelle Beadle, Jalen Rose and Tracy McGrady that the NBA should consider legalizing medical pot so that players can avoid the addictive painkillers since even science has proven that pot can be helpful in this situation.
Billups also revealed that pot helped some of his former teammates when they were dealing with pre-game anxiety. It would help them relax and focus on the game and hence even boost their performance.
Billups used the case of Jason Williams to drive his point; Jason was player who was addicted to pain pills and oxycontin. Billups feels that it would have worked out much better if Jason used medical marijuana.
According to Yahoo Sports, players are slapped with a fine of $25,000 for a second positive cannabis test while a third positive test comes with a five-game suspension.
The NBA has a more lenient pot policy as compared to other major professional sports leagues. However, the league has not shown signs of legalizing medical cannabis for players as a pain-relief alternative.
