Former Denver Broncos defensive end Randy Gregory has initiated a lawsuit against the NFL and his previous team, claiming he was unfairly fined $532,500 for using prescribed medication containing THC, a component of marijuana.
The lawsuit was filed in Arapahoe County, Colorado, roughly an hour from Denver. Gregory alleges discrimination for his attempt to manage his mental health with the medication Dronabinol, which is prescribed for social anxiety and PTSD.
While the Broncos are also defendants in the case, Gregory’s agent, Peter Schaffer, emphasized to Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette that the primary objective is to seek reimbursement from the NFL. Gregory’s team is demanding compensation and future immunity from similar fines.
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Schaffer stated, “This really isn’t about the Broncos. It’s about the NFL. Randy has a valid prescription in Colorado, where marijuana is legal. We’re seeking a reasonable accommodation for him to manage his condition as advised by his doctor. If his treatment is legally recognized for others in Colorado, why not for Randy or any Broncos player?”
The NFL, not the Broncos, is typically responsible for imposing fines related to drug test results, although teams like the Broncos conduct the testing.
After being traded to the San Francisco 49ers following Week 4 of the last season, Gregory recorded 20 combined tackles and 3.5 sacks across 16 games in 2023. He has faced multiple suspensions in the past for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy during his time with the Dallas Cowboys.
