On Friday, Steve Kerr admitted that he tried marijuana a couple times over the last 18 months in order to find a remedy for his back pain, as Chris Haynes of ESPN.com relays. “A lot of research, a lot of advice from people, and I have no idea if I would — maybe I would have failed a drug test,” Kerr said. “I don’t even know if I’m subject to a drug test or any laws from the NBA, but I tried it, and it didn’t help at all. But it was worth it, because I’m searching for answers on pain. But I’ve tried painkillers and drugs of other kinds, as well, and those have been worse. It’s tricky.”
Kerr added that he hopes that professional sports leagues soften their stance on the substance. “You’re seeing that change in these laws that you’re talking about in different states, including California. But I would just hope that sports leagues are able to look past the perception,” Kerr said.
Kerr’s comments elicited a response from the NBA. Earlier today, the league issued the following statement:
“All of our coaches are drug tested each season. Marijuana is included on our banned substances list. There are medical exceptions to our policy but, in this case, it’s not relevant because Steve said he did not find marijuana to be helpful in relieving his back pain.”
It’s unclear whether Kerr will face discipline from the league as a result of his comments. Regardless, his stance could spark a dialogue, Janie McCauley of the Associate Press writes. Kerr’s players believe their coach can make a difference when it comes to changing rules and the way people think.
“He’s a public figure with some notoriety making a statement,” David West said. “It brings more attention to a cause for something that people feel like there needs to be a shift in the way we monitor it and change things. Obviously somebody of his stature can give a little weight to the argument.”
The NBA is expected to reach an agreement with the National Basketball Players Association on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement sometime this month, though it’s unclear whether the issue of marijuana as a banned substance has been or will be a major topic during negotiations.
League is full of a bunch of you know what’s. Shouldn’t even be illegal it’s a plant.
Yet players get DUI’s year after year. Our laws regarding this drug are outdated. If you ban alcohol and cigarettes then I would see the point. I totally agree with you. Just my opinion folks, not telling you how to feel yourself.
It’s so easy to get a a green card through an online doctor… I doubt he will face serious consequences
Cocaine comes from a plant also why not legalize that ? I guess my take would be whatever you want to do it home okay, but if you go to the point of intoxicated like alcohol and it affects your driving then boom you’re in trouble. Also, don’t come to work stoned or drunk or on coke. Should be legal to do at home.
That’s exactly how they want it to be “legal” in California too. Apparently they are coming out with some type of marijuana breathalyzer, however that will work.
Cocaine “comes from a plant” then is HEAVILY processed far beyond its original natural state. Marijuana is just a plant.