VIDEO: Oklahoma Head Coach Lincoln Riley Has Spot-on Response About Marijuana Testing in College Sports
By Brady Williams
Lincoln Riley continues to be one of the most forward-thinking coaches in NCAA Football. Riley referred to marijuana testing as "the elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about", but he had no problem giving his perspective on the matter Monday night.
Here is part of Lincoln Riley's extremely thoughtful, interesting answer to my question regarding the future of marijuana testing in college sports. I'll have more on this at @TheAthleticCFB later this evening. pic.twitter.com/IXIIUtKZxi
— Jason Kersey (@jasonkersey) March 9, 2020
When asked about the future of drug testing in sports, he stressed a student athlete welfare-based approach to the issue. Focusing more on what's best for the students seems to be the top priority for the Oklahoma staff.
He likened it to alcohol abuse and how players with a substance problem would be counseled and helped by the staff to work through the issue. With marijuana penalties softening in the NCAA in recent years, Riley suggests it should be possible to take a similar health-focused approach.
In the state of Oklahoma, marijuana is legal for medical use, but the NCAA has a strict ban on any use. It's an issue that many speculated kept Riley's players Ronnie Perkins, Rhamondre Stevenson and Trejan Bridges out of the Peach Bowl in 2019.
Alright, it’s time to say it: Marijuana isn’t a big deal and there is no good, legitimate reason why the NCAA — or any sports entity — should be testing athletes for it.
— Jason Kersey (@jasonkersey) December 23, 2019
My column: https://t.co/QvO5e4yHpr
Recreational marijuana use is legal in 11 states, and every year its legality becomes more and more common. Riley's response perfectly encapsulates the direction college football should be headed. Marijuana is only a problem when it's abused, and testing for and punishing even its responsible use makes helping the athletes who need support impossible.