NFL Player Alleges Disability Bias After Exemption Request for Synthetic THC Is Denied

Here’s a summary of the lawsuit filed by Randy Gregory against the National Football League (NFL) and the Denver Broncos regarding disability discrimination:

1. Lawsuit Details: Randy Gregory, a linebacker, filed a lawsuit in Colorado’s Arapahoe County District Court alleging that the NFL and the Denver Broncos discriminated against him. The discrimination allegedly occurred when they refused to allow him to use dronabinol, a physician-prescribed synthetic form of THC, for disabilities including social anxiety disorder, PTSD, and chronic pain.
2. Accommodation Request: Gregory claimed he was prescribed dronabinol and requested an accommodation from the NFL in the form of a therapeutic use exemption to take it during non-work hours. The NFL denied the request, citing that dronabinol is a federally controlled substance.
3. Subsequent Actions: Despite the denial, Gregory continued to take dronabinol, resulting in over $532,000 in fines from the NFL due to positive THC tests. He alleged that the NFL failed to engage in the interactive process and provide a reasonable accommodation, which he claims constitutes disability discrimination under Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA).
4. Legal Context: CADA requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, unless it causes undue hardship. Gregory argued that the NFL and the Broncos were unwilling to consider reasonable modifications to their policies to accommodate his medical needs.
5. Previous Legal Precedent: The lawsuit draws attention to a previous case involving Rontez Miles, where a federal judge dismissed a disability discrimination suit against the NFL. In that case, the judge found that ADA claims were preempted by the league’s collective bargaining agreement and official playing rules.
6. Current Status: The NFL and the Denver Broncos have not yet responded publicly to the allegations.

This case highlights ongoing legal challenges around disability accommodations in professional sports, particularly regarding the use of medically prescribed substances that may conflict with league policies on controlled substances.