One of the most often talked about things in sports in recent history has been athletes using marijuana. Alcohol, cigars, and to an extent, cigarettes are all legal and all regularly consumed by athletes, albeit in moderation. However, cannabis use has a more complicated history and, despite recent legalization in certain places, has largely been restricted throughout history. This means that players have been penalized and given fines and suspension if found to have been using marijuana while in the league.
There is a general discourse around whether athletes ought to be allowed to indulge in marijuana, with many differing points of view on it. However, one media member that has been loudly outspoken about it is Stephen A. Smith. Whenever an athlete has been caught in a situation like this, Smith has offered criticism for getting themselves into that situation, something he has faced some backlash for. He’s even become a meme, thanks to it.
Smith has often been criticized for being too harsh on players, with the various reasons why indulging in marijuana isn’t wrong being bandied about. There have also been conversations surrounding race which tend to get quite heated and polarizing. But the man himself finally got a chance to explain his takes recently.
Stephen A. Smith Clarified His Stance On Athletes And Weed
On a recent episode of I Am Athlete, Smith brought out his perspective on the entire scenario. He was quick to point to his background and upbringing in this situation, explaining that he has no problem with people smoking weed.
“Can I address the weed issue? Yes. I’m from Hollis, Queens bro. New York City. My family’s from here. You think I don’t have relatives that smoke weed? You think I don’t have boys that smoke some weed? Okay, I’ve never said a word about somebody smoking weed. If it ain’t costing them money. My issue is, how the hell are you sitting there, you worked all your life getting here. And you gonna blow 6 figures, 7 figures? On weed? I ain’t never seen a joint cost that much in my life.”
There is some truth to Smith’s words. It doesn’t make sense for athletes to do it if it is costing them contracts and big money. The world doesn’t always function as people want it to, and rules and laws take time to change. While there have been changes on this front in recent times already, players do need to be careful not to jeopardize their careers over it.
