Scott Schneider's article "No: Potential Risks too Great for Collegiate Competitors: Front Burner" was featured in Orlando Sentinel on August 7, 2015.
Various members of the University of Florida's College World Series pitching staff throw upward of 90 mph. Now, imagine one of those flamethrowers lights up a joint moments before taking the mound. How comfortable would you feel stepping in the batter's box? Worst case scenario, what would be the media and legal reaction if an impaired pitcher plunked a batter in the head, causing serious injury?
And therein lies at least part of the problem for the NCAA. To be clear, under federal law, marijuana is still listed as a Schedule I drug — a drug with no acceptable medical use in treatment and a high potential for abuse. In 46 states, smoking marijuana is illegal. And as the Colorado Supreme Court recently clarified, even in states where smoking pot will not get you thrown in jail, it can get you fired from your job.
In the article, Scott explains why the NCAA can't risk the risks of ignoring recreational drugs.
Put simply, there are good reasons for the NCAA to want to discourage student athletes from using marijuana. The threat of being denied the opportunity to play intercollegiate athletics for half a season strikes an appropriate balance between creating such a deterrent without being unduly punitive.
To read the full article, please visit Orlando Sentinel.
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