Booze, not pot, the real problem
I was reading the report last weekend of Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah being arrested back at the U. of Florida for marijuana possession. And I’m thinking, “Why is this news? Isn’t it news if it was reported Noah—have you ever looked at or listened to this guy?—wasn’t using marijuana?”
But here we go again with NBA reefer madness with Noah and a month or so ago the dumbest player in the NBA—that certainly would be Josh Howard now in what no longer appears a close contest—volunteered he’s a regular offseason marijuana user and figured it was no big deal because it’s use was commonplace in the NBA.
Geez, didn’t anyone ever give this guy that speech about if your friend jumped off a building or told the world he was committing a crime would you do it, too?
Anyway, this all hardly qualifies as an epidemic, though many would have you wringing your hands and again lamenting the social ills of the NBA. Yes, back in 2001, Charles Oakley decided that maybe 50 to 60 percent of the players in the NBA used marijuana. A few years later, the Rocky Mountain News surveyed NBA players and from a sample of about 60 decided that some 30 percent of the players were using the drug.
Both of these accounts followed a 1997 New York Times report of substance abuse among NBA players and threw out a figure of 60 to 70 percent, though lost in the fine print was no real distinction between alcohol and marijuana.
And, yes, there’s the rub.
I know, I know, marijuana is illegal and alcohol is not.
But this should give pause to everyone who reads and reacts to headlines of NBA players using or being arrested in connection with marijuana.
I don’t know how many players in the NBA use marijuana, though we do know now about Noah. We’ve previously heard issues with Allen Iverson, Chris Webber, Robert Parish, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Rasheed Wallace and at one time most of Portland, though it is a particularly liberal place.
Of course, we’ve also heard the same about former President Bill Clinton, who insisted he didn’t inhale, and now U.S. Senator Barack Obama, who also wrote in his first book about experimenting with “blow,” the street name for cocaine.
Using Aristotelian logic, perhaps this means more NBA players than we think could be running for president, though in the Democratic party. Which might not be a bad thing because perhaps they’d be too mellow to be declaring war so often.
But I digress.
Actually, two issues strike me when these NBA drug scare stories arise.
One, of course, is the shocking notion that young men in their 20’s might be experimenting with a mild drug that men in their 20’s who’ve gone on to be the leaders of our nation experimented with when they were in their 20’s.
That is what your 20’s generally are for. There’s an old saying about socialism from Winston Churchill that says if a man is not a socialist by the time he is 20, he has no heart.
If he is not a conservative by the time he is 40, he has no brain. The point is your 20’s is for asking and answering questions and experimenting with life.
So marijuana should be legalized, right? It’s not legal, so that’s the answer for now. It’s also illegal to file taxes that do not perfectly represent your income and expenses and to go over the speed limit when driving. But I’m told it’s happened.
The larger question to me being around the NBA is the effect of alcohol.
The NBA has a drug testing policy, probably the toughest in sports and for the longest time since cocaine use was a major issue in the late 1970’s and the players wanted it cleaned up. All players are tested for drugs including marijuana up to four times per season.
Do some players in the NBA still get away with using marijuana? Sure. I’ve heard some names, though they don’t invite me along. What’s the percentage? Who the heck knows?
I believe it’s far less than any of the estimates thrown around. Though I do know alcohol abuse is rampant and I’ve witnessed that for many years.
Because there is drug testing, the stimulant of choice in the NBA now perhaps more than ever is alcohol. I’m told the fellas enjoy their vodka and Red Bull. And, of course, beer, which had been widely distributed in sports locker rooms for years before St. Louis Cardinals player Josh Hancock was killed in a car accident last year driving home from a game.
This is the trickiest issue of all for all of us because while alcohol is legal, it is frequently abused. Do you think more people are killed by drunk drivers or pot smoking drivers? How do you feel in the parking lot after your favorite major league baseball game knowing that guy sitting next to you with 12 cups stacked high is driving home? But with the games often sponsored by your favorite brew, what’s the choice?
I recall during the winning years of the Bulls franchise in the 1980’s and 1990’s seeing players like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen dropping several six packs in their gym bags after the game. Drinking on the way home? Who knows? Maybe they had drivers. I don’t know.
I recall being in the team hotel and seeing the waiter taking empty liquor bottles on the tray from the room of Vin Baker. It was widely known around the NBA at the time Baker was drinking heavily. But it was legal. Should I as a reporter have written about it? It’s not like Baker was doing anything wrong but throwing away his career as he’d later go into rehab.
The team knew about it and teammates did as well. So did Baker’s representatives. But the stigma of going into rehab could cost him a contract, so no one ever said anything.
I know of several players now around the NBA who tell me teammates have serious drinking issues. They say the team and their agents know. But no one wants to do anything for fear of losing, A. The player as an asset; B. The player having a chance to get a better deal or new contract when his current one expires.
What’s my responsibility to write about it? What if the player drives and kills someone or himself? Could I have warned someone by reporting it? But what right do I have if he’s doing nothing illegal? And the people closest to him and for whom he works aren’t doing anything?
It seems to me these are the bigger issues facing the NBA—and all sports—today. Yes, there’s marijuana use in the NBA, and to anyone who saw Noah with his white suit on draft day in 2007 you figured there was a marijuana arrest in his future. But the league has bigger substance abuse issues, which don’t seem to be addressed by anyone.
Barack Obama » Booze, not pot, the real problem Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 3:59 am
[...] MyDD wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt … inhale, and now U. S. Senator Barack Obama, who also wrote in his first book about experimenting with “b low,” the street name for cocaine…. [...]
NerdSuperfly Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 4:53 am
Nice POV, and YES: Booze is a bigger problem.
I smoked a lot when i was younger, so i´m not saying, that it´s bad at all. He´s young, too. Anyway, Noah is a public person and there are a lot of kids watching up to him. He should be smarter and smoke his weed at home and don´t carry it around.
BTW: You mentioned Clinton. Maybe Noah could tell the judge, that he just “carried it around” and not “rolled up and lit”
NerdSuperfly Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 5:00 am
Nice point of view, and YES: Booze is a bigger problem.
I smoked a lot when i was younger, so i´m not saying, that it´s bad at all. He´s young, too. Anyway, Noah is a public person and there are a lot of kids watching up to him. He should be smarter and smoke his weed at home and don´t carry it around.
BTW: You mentioned Clinton. Maybe Noah could tell the judge, that he just “carried it around” and not “rolled up and lit”
pop Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 5:01 am
Agree. Beer is evil! But it tastes good!
Marian Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 5:25 am
nice read
i think you are absolutly right with stating that alcohol abuse is a major problem. and its not like its a problem of the bad guys as shawn kemp and vin baker.
jayson williams wrote in his book how charles barkly showed up for practice reguarly being drunk in his sixers days. thats whie bein one of the faces of the league.
my question is why stern and the league don’t do anything since they are alwaly doin everything for the image of the league?!
stefan Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 6:52 am
Sam,
I couldn’t agree with you more. As far as intoxicating substances go, pot pales in comparisson to the rest interms of short and long-term side-effects. Sure the pot is probably gonna kill some of your edge and motivation; it’ll probably mke you a bit lazy. For professional athletes this could be a real problem. But anyone who’s seen Noah play could testify to the fact that he’s not lacking any intensity or motivation. Focus, concentration and short-term memory loss is another probable side-effect and that could be a problem especially for a young player trying to learn the game. Here’s where the main problem lies.
In terms of life and carreer-threatening drugs, alcohol has got to be way higher (no pun intended) on the list than pot. However, the fact remains that pot’s illegal and alcohol is not. Therein lies the source of the stigma. I’m not necessarilly championning the legalization but I do think the league needs to reconsider its policy when it comes to pot. If, for no other reason than to reopen the dialogue about alcohol and its destructive effects. There are countless studies which outline the addictive nature of booze; not the case with the ganja. Alcohol gives one an inflated sense of self-esteem and causes people to take dangerous risks and make poor decisions. It is dangerous off the court for players as well as those around them. I’m not saying the NBA should test its players for alcohol use and declare it a banned substance but perhaps the few pot smokers could be given a break.
I’m not sure what the answer is, but the facts a clear: booze is a killer. Pot is just a demotivator. So the NBA has got to pick its poison responsibly. Just like players need to control their consumption of these substances.
Peace
Stefan
lazygun Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 7:24 am
So true…
btw: great Churchill quotation.
The Dave Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 7:53 am
Sam Smith, I applaud you for a well written and concise article. Thats probably the first time I’ve ever said anything positive with your name but this was well thought out. While players smoking pot can be disappointing, I agree that alcohol is a greater evil, but as anyone who smokes pot knows, they aren’t going anywhere except where the buffet is.
Reubybaby Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 8:32 am
Honestly, who cares? If Noah wants to do marijuana, good for him.
Yes, alcohol is a big problem, but until someone decides to do something to police it, then the players should be getting the help from people closest to them - their friends, families and Agents.
My beef is that people in the media blow up these stories and make them huge deals - Noah got busted with marijuana. Just what the young, impressionable generation needs to hear. My hero, the drug user. Wow, if Noah does it, it must be cool. Etc, etc.
My question is this: If the media didn’t make such a big deal out of it, would our youth be as keen to try it?
gurjit badal Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 8:40 am
great Article, ive been sayin for years that the effect that alchoal has on our society is far worse than any marjauawana use.
Paul Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 8:51 am
If I were a GM, I’d pay each player an extra 500ks to promise to never drink while under contract. These guys are professional athletes who could perform much better if they weren’t putting their bodies/livers through the wringer with the way they party.
Tamp Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 9:04 am
people who smoke pot are just playing video games, writing music, making art, going on weird adventures. people who drink are out yelling and partying and getting in fights. people who abuse alcohol are the wife beaters, the drunk drivers, and getting alcohol poisonin
Jorel Jenious Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 9:17 am
Excellent article.
I’m not so sure why there is such an expectation for athletes. One’s ability to catch a ball, shoot a shot, or run considerably faster than the average man has no barring on their decision making, comprehension, or intelligence. And in truth, choosing to smoke marijuana has nothing to do with that.
At least 3 or 4 Bank Presidents (at an un-named Virginia Commercial Bank) use, or better yet, abuse marijuana on the weekends, during parties, hell some of them toke it up in the car on the way home. And these are the bank presidents. It’s all a big joke.
You can go into ANY corner store or gas station in the Suburbs and buy drug paraphernalia. (not that I would know first hand
)
Great article, but it’s ridiculous that this is an issue at all.
anthony Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 9:32 am
Hey, don’t let the alcohol issue get in the way of the real topic:
Noah is a moron who broke the law.
If marijuana is ever legalized it should be heavily taxed. Anyone caught commiting a crime under the influence should lose rights to goverment health care. Same with alcohol, tobacco and any drug that f’s with your health.
Brandon Hoffman Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 9:34 am
Sam,
Great article!
James Madlock Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 9:50 am
Sam Smith you are the dumbest person why would you even right this people like you make the NBA & players look bad, you dont have anything eles to write about, write about the draft or something and dont call players dum you probley smoke yourself or drink. I know this is your job but get a life sam i know you dont make that much doing media. there are even people in the NBA office that smokes but we will never fine out till they get cought but they will sooner or later. But again Sam Smith what you wrote sucks & get a life.
piswgorilla Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 11:01 am
Alcohol is not a stimulant. It is a depressant.
ELove Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 11:03 am
Serious-n-Real Drugs like Cocaine, Crack, Meth, H, X, Crank and ALCOHOL-n-Cigarettes actually KILLS people…
And is Most cases like Crack and Meth causes the death of others because of the effects on the users and the state of the drug-trade regarding these illegal drugs that the U.S. Government so conveniently let come across our borders into OUR Communities
But the media chooses to force the Ignorant (General Public) to be So OUTRAGED about a plant that grows from the earth just like Vegetables, Flowers, Trees etc to be Far More Dangerous to society than Manufactured Illegal Drugs (Man-made)… There are No Crack trees or Meth flowers or Herion plants growing here in america and I’m pretty SURE there are No Ectasy pills growing in your Flower-bed in the back yard
Society NEEDS to Get-A-Grip on Reality and the Sports Media NEEDS to Get-A-Life and start reporting on Sports Entertainment-n-Business related issues and leave the Hard-Hitting and Investigative reporting to REAL Journalists
anthony Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 11:38 am
lets not let the “alcoholism in our culture” debate overshadow the topic at hand:
noah is a moron who broke a federal law.
anthony Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 11:47 am
that said:
I don’t care if someone smokes marijuana, just don’t make me pay for their healthcare.
I don’t care if someone drinks alcohol, but bring back a quick death penalty so I don’t have to pay for them to go in and out of jail/detox/rehab/prison.
Michael Bennett Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 11:47 am
There is not a ‘problem’ with either alcohol or marijuana use in the NBA… unless the individuals who are doing either are affected on the court OR they feel like they HAVE to do it ie addiction.
Smoking marijuana is not a big deal… unless you’re conservative. Who cares? I don’t think players should be smoking before games, but if they do, fine. I’ve played high/stoned before, and I usually play a little better. I know when the Ricky Williams (Miami Dolphins) marijuana stories were circulating, some in the know claiming that marijuana could be considered a performance enhancing drug because of that zone you get into. I don’t know. Maybe, maybe not.
Either way, who cares? This is a no story. Joakim Noah is a good player AND he’s cool. The kids should learn to look up to him, smoke a doobie, and relax… make love not war.
Bob Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 12:15 pm
I’ve heard from numerous ‘reputable’ sources who worked the Jazz/Bulls Game 5 of the ‘97 finals that Jordan didn’t have food poisoning, but was severely hung-over.
Never was sure what to make of it, but this article seems to make the case that such a ‘theory’ isn’t so far fetched.
JR Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
Smoke today gone tomorow, what if this young talented bulls player who all so reminds you of dennise rodman,the party animal of the 80s 90s and 2000s and now making a push into the hall of fame,Who so what i know never got busted for controlling drugs,but brought down so many rebounds took so many elbows and holds many nba rings to show for all that…smoking is a past time while drinking is for the party time, he got caught drinking in public were if he were practicing hemp laws he would of been doing it and controling it the right way in the privite view of hes own eyes …..rule #1 smoking can be done be hind closed doors…while drinking is done all the time in the view of the public….and media…
Robert Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
As you said drinking is prevalent in many Pro Sports. Soccer players are known for it in Europe. Rugby players in England go out regularly and get plowed after games. I watched a meaningless game in the Premier League for one team and the announcers were talking about that team going out partying all week before the game but the team played better than usual. Kinda reminds me of the Eagles Super Bowl against the Raiders and supposedly the Raiders were all out partying and Vermeil conversely had the Eagles wound up tight.
mikey 420 Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
everyone smokes weed. why do we have to live in a police state? i can go and buy beer at 8 a.m. and get hammered all day and even drink myself to death. sweet.
if i start smoking at 8 a.m., the worst thing that will happen is either a) i have two breakfasts, b) a nap in the afternoon or c) a grateful day, full of sunshine daydreams.
i’ll take C and no hangover.
LEGALIZE IT!!!!
Thomas York Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
Hey Sam! I found you again man! No wonder I have been looking everywhere! You nailed it. Bet you couldn’t have spoken so freely at the trib. That was the honest truth. See it for what it is.
And hopefully that isn’t absent the truth of many breaking the law, one way or the other, every day. Think whatever you want to think, let’s just not be hypcrites. Well said Brother! Thank you!
Tom in Taiwan
bob Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
“Using Aristotelian logic, perhaps this means more NBA players than we think could be running for president, though in the Democratic party.”
Perhaps you forgot about W, a cocaine cowboy in his own right.
John Underwood Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 2:11 pm
Great rationalizing all you liberalists. The life of an athlete is very special isn’t it? Hey , Let’s just let everybody do whatever they want as long as they are scoring points…rape, murder, get high, cheat, assault…etc.
Our youth deserve better… so do fans. We deserve what we have accepted and sport is sinking fast . Time for leaders to set some standards for athlete behavior and back it up at all levels of sport. We have not even scratched the surface. Honor, dignity, character,civlity… need to be taught.
Brian Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
After watching my Hawks playing with hangovers in game 7 (read Boston Globe article), I have to concur.
Chip Crain Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
“There’s an old saying about socialism from Winston Churchill that says if a man is not a socialist by the time he is 20, he has no heart.
If he is not a conservative by the time he is 40, he has no brain.”
You mistakenly referenced Winston Churchill with the above quote. I believe should more attributed to Francois Quizot who was French politician in the 1800’s.
Chip Crain Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
“There’s an old saying about socialism from Winston Churchill that says if a man is not a socialist by the time he is 20, he has no heart.
If he is not a conservative by the time he is 40, he has no brain.”
I don’t believe Winston Churchill said that. I believe it was Francis Quizot, a French politician in the 1800’s.
frank_head Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 3:21 pm
There is nothing better than getting together with two teams, blazing big joints and playing a serious game of hoops. Man, the herb really gets you into your game. The intensity level gets high with you and the others.
Stern should be eggin the players to gather around in circles before these playoff games lately as boring as they have been.
I love playing high.
Paul #2 Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 3:27 pm
Sam, great article bud. Not much was made of Vin Baker’s alcohol abuse, yet the media is blowing Noah’s marijuana bust way out of proportion. Remember, he was originally arrested for having an open beverage container; only at the police station did they discover he had marijuana on him. Yet all people seem to be focusing on is the marijuana aspect of his arrest.
As for the whole thing about youths being very likely to immitate their favorite athletes; PLEASE! Jason Kidd has been my favorite NBA player for years, yet I have never once considered striking a woman (like he did with his wife). If any youth thinks it’s “cool” to smoke weed because their favorite athlete got busted with it, then they need SERIOUS help. I don’t see anything cool about being busted for doing something illegal and being thrown in jail for it.
Paul #2 Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
Oh and Mikey, not EVERYONE smokes weed man. I know a lot of people who don’t smoke it. Just because most of your friends may do so, it doesn’t mean EVERYBODY is doing it. Get a grip.
frank_head420 Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 3:30 pm
There is nothing better than getting together with other players, getting high and having a serious game of 5/5.
Maybe Stern should be egging the players to gather around in circles before some of these boring playoff games. Might make it a little more fun to watch.
Brian Boitono Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
Listen all you crazy potheads, your all whats wrong with society. Smokin and eating and talking and sleeping. After I put in my 8 hours at the mill, I come home hit the Jack Daniels and absolutely smack the stink off my wife. Once im bored with that I like to drive my truck around town shooting out the neighbors windows and smashing into mailboxes… Just some good harmless fun.
you weedy’s make me sick
Porky Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
Legalize
Spiritual
Development.
Porky Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 3:48 pm
Legalize
Spiritual
Development
Megga Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
You fail to mention the late Eddie Griffin in your article… Alchool was the main reason of his downfall and his death.
anthony Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
pot is a drag on society. we already have enough slackers/bums in this country.
Ricky Williams is a good example of a waste of talent. why do I think this guy will spend the rest of his life free-loading and “just getting by”.
David Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 4:02 pm
The ONLY reason RIcky Williams is even playing football is because he owes his signing bonus back to the Dolphins.
If it weren’t for that he would be weaving baskets in Thailand.
niles Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 4:51 pm
anthony, jesus. lay off ricky. “free loading, just getting by”, what does that even mean? That some of these players won’t win rings or invest their money effectively? who cares. The majority of society could be qualified as “just getting by”. The idea that Jordan might have been hung over makes my inner angry little jazz fan feel good.
Chris Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 5:10 pm
“pot is a drag on society. we already have enough slackers/bums in this country.
Ricky Williams is a good example of a waste of talent. why do I think this guy will spend the rest of his life free-loading and “just getting by”.”
Ricky Williams is a good example of a “pot” smoker that is not a drag on society. He, like most “pot” smokers is not a slacker/bum, but a functioning, succesful member of society.
Nick Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 5:31 pm
Great article
I dont smoke pot but i dont find anything wrong with it other than its against the law. As long as guys are not showing up to games/practices high or drunk i see nothing wrong with it.
Kalvin Kristi Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 5:35 pm
Marijuana is “illegal” Beers and cigarettes are “legal”.Smoke 2 stogies at the party then drive your self home safely. Drink 6 beers at the party, then, try to drive your self home you hit some body and kill them or the cops stops you and charged you with( dui) or (dwi). Beer companies are “Mega sponsors” for many many of these games. It’s time for america to take of it’s 18th century “Hypocritical” cap and put on the real cap. The 21st century. Hello!!!!!!!
Peter Tosh Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 5:58 pm
Legalize It.
Peter Tosh Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 6:03 pm
Holy hell, I just read Anthony’s comment.
Hey Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, drag on society? So is reality TV, E!, the Hills, gas prices, corn prices, the government as a whole, and ya know what else? Society. Yes, society is a drag on society. Think about it.
So basically, your attitude is dopey enough to be rolled up and smoked.
Ricky Williams is gonna freeload and get by? He tried to. He tried to quit - and big fucking deal. He didn’t want to play football, get over it. You wanted to? Fine, good for you. Ricky didn’t.
But as for being a freeloader and getting by, I think he’ll be fine with the 10% of his Multi-Million Dollar Contract.
You, on the other hand, I am worried about.
Michael Bennett Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 6:25 pm
anthony - What do you care what other people do? If YOU don’t want to smoke pot, then YOU don’t smoke pot. Just because YOU turn into a ’slacker/bum’ when you smoke pot, it doesn’t mean that others don’t thrive.
Fascist!
Michael Dawson Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 6:29 pm
There’s definitely a double-standard going on.
Personally, as somebody with this issue, I know the NBA life has got to be almost a drinker’s paradise — late nights of excitement, chicks and buddies wanting to kick it, and the ability to sleep in.
My own guess has always been that guys who retain a lot of body-fat (by NBA standards) through the whole season are probably big drinkers. I don’t see another way of doing that, given the huge calorie drain of constant elite basketball-playing. Even food doesn’t seem like enough…
Trip Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 6:33 pm
Marijuana is not a drag on society, people are. You are who you are, I know university students with 4.0 GPAs, lawyers, carpenters and slackers who smoke and the drug does not change who you are overnight with one puff. If you’re an idiot before you smoke up then you’ll be one after. If you know how to take care of your responsibilities before you smoke up then pot will have little affect on your everyday life.
If the same loser/slacker drinks a case of beers then he’ll be the same loser after with a chance of being violent or getting into a car and killing someone. ask yourself how many weed related deaths do you hear about in the news. Not many. Ask yourself why is alcohol legal and not weed when alcohol has much more potential for disaster; because it is a nice taxable drug that can be controlled by the government unlike pot. If the government can’t control it then it’s not good for society
Great Article Sam
GEMINI Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 6:43 pm
your an idiot, you judge people by how they look. Dumbass
Etchasketchist Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
anthony, the government just called. They said you have to pay for my healthcare. They’d also like you to pick me up a bag of weed. Sorry, bro. If you could just make sure to pick out the seeds, that’d be awesome.
Canuck Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
Joakim should play for the Raptors. He could claim it’s “medicinal”.
smoke weed everyday Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 8:07 pm
I think most of us can agree that pot is not a social evil - it is pretty innocuous.
The more important question, as Michael Bennett alluded to, is whether people ball better while stoned. I’ve always felt this is the case when I am playing, but given that my objectivity was perhaps slightly altered at the time, who knows…but I would be curious what others feel from their own personal experiences balling while stoned (BWS?)
high school sophomore who doesn't really want to do drugs Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 8:18 pm
I think it’s really the athlete’s choice. if they can perform well enough (satisfy themselves) while smoking weed in the offseason, i guess it’s ok. it’s their choice, just like anything else. in my school, there are a lot of kids who get totally drunk on the weekends and then i have a couple friends who smoke weed sometimes but not a whole lot and they don’t really drink. my one friend thinks drinking is disgusting but smoking not. the drinking for the kids that do it probably affects their performance much more than the drugs for the smokers.
drinking seems more destructive, while the kids who smoke weed just like the sensation. and they pretty much make sure they do their work before they smoke, while sat. night the other kids will drink regardless
i don’t do either and don’t really want to. i dont really want to inhale smoke.. and apparently alcohol doesnt taste good anyway.. and i like the state i am usually in
i think this idea of booze as the real problem is probably true. the misconception of pot as the problem might be what causes all the problems of underage drinking. but i dont know. we probably dont want everyone smoking pot instead either.
ZJ Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 8:35 pm
michael bennett i like your style. weren’t you a running back for the vikings?
anthony, you sound like a drag to society. I hope you cry when mccain loses to obama. That shi* you said about the death penalty was rediculous. go gel your hair and pop your collar doosh
DT Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 8:37 pm
Anthony,
I’m about to toke up a fattie in your honor. Oh yea, and then I will wake up at 6AM for my great job that I got directly after graduating with honors from a top college while blazing daily. Worry about yourself man, I think most of us smokers will be O.K. Thanks for the inspiration. Peace
pantouflas Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 8:39 pm
Speaking of Jordan, did you guys notice his red eyes and inane grades when he was judging the dunk competition 2 years ago? My god that was amazing, he wasn’t even paying attention to the dunks
And the camera kept cutting away from him for the whole time.. One of the funniest sights I’ve seen.
Now for my 2 cents on Noah: the kid is a’aight. You judge people by their ability to handle drugs and he strikes me as a smart European kid that smokes weed without repercussions (which would be 90% of college students). So no problem there me thinks..
Mark N Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 11:25 pm
That was very well written and knowledgable to the workings of NBA partying habits. I’d bet liquor is a bigger problem, and I think players receiving millions for their physical performance should have to attest to affidavits/sworn statements every six months of the level of their alcohol and marijuana use. If it is proved that they lied/misrepresented their use than a breach of contract and non-payment/forfeiture of a portion of their contract should take effect. It may lead to messy lawsuits, but it may also lead to less players crossing the line and hurting their teams(and careers).
Legend Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 11:35 pm
a few days ago I was watching a documentary on the illegalization’s of drugs……..They pulled an article from the reefer madness era saying “If the Evil monster Frankenstein came face to face with marijuana, he would die from fear.”
Hahaha, classic quote!!!
Mike Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 12:30 am
It blows my mind how millions of people die from alcoholism and over-abusing cigarettes, but an nba player gets busted for pot and its the biggest deal in sports news. Weed is a relaxing drug and a very private drug that causes no harm to people around the pot smoker. Alcoholism effects the people abusing booze and the innocent drunk driving victims, let alone all the families involved. It’s time for this country to just legalize the mary jane.
d'andre Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 1:00 am
holy shit mikey420, that was some funny stuff.
Simon Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 1:21 am
I agree, it was a great article but i think the point has been missed a bit. The point is Noah, although painfully obvious, is a dumbass.
Sure you can throw the ‘He’s in his 20’s’ arguement out there and it is valid. But, Christ, he is in the spot light and he should be smarter. Sure the Business men toke up too, but i’m sure they’re not dumb enough to get caught.
He’s young, i know, but that excuse doesn’t fly. Maybe the NBA should with hold part of his salary in an account until he, or any other young player, wisens up a bit.
Eric Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 2:04 am
Great Article. Maybe you shouldn’t judge people on how they dress, talk, or act though.
A lot of poeple in the NBA dress, talk, and act like Joakim.
Onto the pot issue. Whatever. Anyone should be able to do it, including athletes. However, in the times we live in I do not think it is a good idea for a professional athlete (who many young kids look up to) to come out and say they smoke pot. It’s just something a professional athlete should not do. Keep your habbits to yourself, And don’t let it effect your game.
Also, I hate to see alcoholism take over a great athlete, but I could care less if I hear of one smokin a doob. It happens.
Good reply, Reubybaby, you took the words outta my mouth.
Marco Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 3:26 am
This is a post answering Pauls post. It said the following “If I were a GM, I’d pay each player an extra 500ks to promise to never drink while under contract. These guys are professional athletes who could perform much better if they weren’t putting their bodies/livers through the wringer with the way they party.”
Paul, if players were given that money to “promise”, they would probably spend that half a million on drugs and booze. There should be strict no alcohol no drug policy in which all teams have the right to test their players at ANY time for these substances.
Arthur Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 5:21 am
Smoking pot lowers testosterone levels which for an athlete is a stupid thing to do. Pot should be treated like every other controlled substance….you get caught with it, you go to prison. I say 3 months for every gram. Smoking pot is for weak liberal pussies or the projects. The best idea would be to poison a huge crop and then give it away. We could have lower insurance rates and taxes after all the dregs went away.
Donadoni Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 5:54 am
Marijuana should be legal because alcohol is a bigger problem. Street murder should be legal because war is legal.
To defend something bad with something worse is the dumbest thing ever.
Michael (Belgium) Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 6:27 am
What’s the big deal? In Belgium you can order a beer when you are 16, or if you are a sweet girl who looks 16.
And you can buy pot legaly in the Netherlands, and smoke it legaly in Belgium.(I think) But when I saw Damien Marley at Rock Werchter 06 (google it!), you coudn’t breath normal air anymore :p
Totti Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 7:01 am
It’s definitely a good article, nontheless i’ve known on my skin that ABUSE is always bad for you, whatever you do for a living (ask maradona, or the guy living next door to me).
And Mickey 420, i’ll take C) as well and get “on the road again” (walking).
LIVELY UP YOUR SELF
space Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 8:53 am
mmm… Kalvin Kristi is dead on.
but the bust should not have made national headlines. athletes are over scrutinized for the most trivial of events.
anthony Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 9:12 am
Like I said I couldn’t give an F if anyone smoked pot. Somebody’s gotta sweep the floors. I am happy to pass them by to do something exciting and productive.
Just stop asking me “hey, do you have any spare change?”
anthony Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 9:36 am
The Chicago Bulls crashed this season. I mean crashed!
They lost all of their INTENSITY, DRIVE, & FOCUS!
hmmmm, what could cause that? smoking pot? (yes, that was a joke, so just relax)
Joakim is not the kind of guy a team needs in its locker room. And don’t mistake his antics on the floor as intensity. He is just jumping up and down making noise. This guy isn’t winning any games that is for sure.
Bulls should bring in Beasley and see if they can get rid of Noah’s contract.
yung k1n6 Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 10:03 am
i agree with kalvin, its ok to drink alcohol and smoke tobaco?(WICH BOTH KILL MILLIONS A YEAR) but weed is so “bad” and taboo?? yes this is very much a hypocrite nation..
here you go mr NBA superstar, unlimited beer..
here you go mr NBA superstar, a fat cuban 4 celebration..
yet peoples jaws drop when they here about the same athletes getting high on their own time, the offseason? yes during the offseason, HOWARD and NOAH both can vouch this…with all the drug testing going on during the season im sure its pretty difficult during the season..
what are athletes? the are etertainers..we pay our money for them to entertain us..so as long as they are performing and entertaining us, we shouldnt try to act like saints and point the finger @ them
i am paying them to entertain me, not to pass drug test.
..now am i saying its right and everyone should do it? no..but they are grown men and its their own decison, its their risk, and it will be their consequences..
AS LONG AS WE STAY ENTERTAINED WE SHOULDNT TRY GETTING INVOLVED IN THEIR PERSONASL LIFE….
just curious though..gimme a top ten list of NBA players or athletes in general, whom you think..have “REFFER MADNESS”":
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Terdell Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 10:05 am
From what I hear, pot tends to be an introduction drug which can lead to a lot of harder drug use. Just like not everybody can limit themselves to one drink. Not everybody is going to be able to limit themselves to smoking pot, once get into the drug culture. So if we legalize pot we may as well legalize all drug use and let Walgreens or CVS take over distribution. Not a good idea.
I find it funny that some pot users are complaining that we have a police state and then they turn around and support a naked marxist commie like comrade Barack Obama for president. Proof that pot kills the brain cells. Evidently, they don’t know what a police state is. It’s like, “Let me have my freedom to smoke pot and I triple guarantee you I will vote for the communist which will destroy freedom are all other hard-working Americans”. That’s great to hear!
Celtics247.com » Blog Archive » Today’s Links 5/28 Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 10:17 am
[...] facing another best of 3 Eagle Tribune Win or lose, nothing can tarnish magical season Hoopshype Booze, not pot, the real problem Patriot Ledger Tied playoff series suits Celtics Big game needed from Big Three Lowell Sun Which [...]
K-mart Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 10:23 am
Good post eddie execpt from the fact that you claim that the nba has a very harsh drug testing policy and youre dead wrong. 4 times a per season?!? swimmers,track & field and cyclists takes drugtests every time they compete and you still say the nba is tough? Ive always asked myseldf the question about steroids in the Nba and I think that its a reality, do you really think youre body can survive 80+ games every year without being to damged? i dont know any other sport that has so many games and so few injurys.
Michael Bennett Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 11:02 am
Arthur - You have this country backwards. You don’t understand want personal freedom is. If you think people should go to jail because they smoke pot, it says more about YOU than it does about pot.
YOU have problems with pot. Maybe YOU had a parent who was a so-called drug addict. Maybe YOUR kids smoke way too much weed. But, the fact is that marijuana, although legal in most states, is harmful to no one and should be 100% decriminalized.
I live in California where you can get a prescription for marijuana. I know hundreds of people who have this prescription - let’s just say it’s easy to obtain. Since State Congress passed the legalization, there hasn’t been a rise in crime rate or violence. There’s actually been a decrease in crime in bigger cities like Los Angeles because of police focus towards real crimes.
The only reason marijuana isn’t federally legalized is because there isn’t a Washington lobbyist/big business/American business yet. But, you can legally smoke marijuana if you have a prescription or for your religion (Rastafarian). Marijuana still gets bad press from border states and Mexican border towns. Once that quells, then we’ll see liberal states passing decriminalization laws… especially when Obama is president - remember, he actually inhaled. “That was the point.”
Asa Wayne Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 11:12 am
That was a great article, and it mirrors my opinion. Marijuana is not the problem, its just a distraction from the real important problems. Light one and lighten up, life is too short to be stressing on things that dont matter. Let Noah live, and you do the same.
Terdell Cochran Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 11:55 am
I find it funny that pot head would support a naked marxist communist for president such as the great Barack Obama. Go Figure. Not only that, but then has the audacity to lecture the rest of us about understanding freedom. When you have to depend on pot to get you thru the day,it tells me you just cannot handle freedom!
jack Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
Nice article - except for the offhand shot at Clinton and Obama … especially seeing how the current president is, you know, a recovering alcoholic who talked openly of using coke. Oh, and it turns out he’s a Republican.
Huh, so maybe drug use is *not* limited to the weirdos in portland and other liberal parts of the land…
jbean Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 6:42 pm
All I know is the last couple times I toked and then played ball I couldn’t miss. Now I’m kicking myself in the ass for not toking up on game days in college. Would have relieved all the anxiety that you feel as a college athlete, especially as a freshmen.
CKnets Said,
May 29, 2008 @ 7:25 am
Great article, point taken. Alcohol IS a much larger problem in the NBA than marijuana. Alcohol has a significantly greater detrimental effect on the human body than marijuana does. Alcohol abuse affects the health and level of play of an athlete far more than marijuana abuse.
Marijuana, an illegal drug which is severely punishable by law in most places, and has very harsh penalties for testing positive in any professional sport CAUSED 37 DEATHS FROM 1979-2003. Alcohol, legal at the age of 21 with no penalties or testing policies in any professional sport CAUSES over 100,000 DEATHS A YEAR!!! Over 274 people die each day from alcohol, in comparison to 1.5/yr. from marijuana breaking down to approx. .004 deaths per day. Pretty scary huh, makes me want to quit.
CK Said,
May 29, 2008 @ 7:42 am
Alcohol causes over 100,000 deaths per year in the United States, about 274 each day. In comparison, marijuana was deemed responsible for 37 deaths TOTAL spanning from 1979-2003 (.004 people dead per day!!!) That 37 deaths over the past 24 years is pretty daunting, kind of makes me question why I participate in this illegal, highly dangerous activity rather than engaging in a LEGAL, healthier, and more socially acceptable activity that just so happens to be the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States!?!
Garry Said,
May 29, 2008 @ 8:02 am
So, Michael Bennett thinks Noah is Cool? The guy has always been a spazzo freak in every interview I’ve ever seen, the total opposite of a stoner.
The guy had to go down to Gainesville to find any friends, and oops get arrested. I’m sure that type of arrest happens 365 days a year there. Maybe he was scouting the new freshman class, looking for a couple dozen easily impressed females.
okay okay i would do it too, you’re right
Frankie J Said,
May 29, 2008 @ 9:11 am
Smoking and drinking not only gives YOU the bad image, but it gives the entire LEAGUE a bad image - it’s that simple. Look at what steriods has done to the MLB.
If the league sees this as potentially damaging to their business, by all hell, they have all the right to punish players for such acts. So Dennis Rodman is creeping into the Hall of Fame while being a complete party animal; so what if 60-70% of players smoke pot and participate in alcohol abuse while still performing well on a night-after-night basis. That’s not at all the issue here. The issue is that millions of little boys and girls look up to these players and as adults they better damn well act like they’re looked up to. It’s ridiculous how these players are getting payed millions of dollars a year and still can’t seem to get their lives straight.
Honestly, the league shouldn’t even have to deal with all this crap. These are supposed to be classy members of this society. Instead there are 20-30 year olds with multi-million dollar contracts plus endorsements acting like an irresponsible group of junior high kids who have to get “tamed” and socially presentable. Joakim Noah is a fuck-up, just like most of the players in the NBA are. I am a fan of good sports, but in the future when I have kids I want it to be okay for them to watch basketball on television without having to be exposed to crap they are already exposed to on the streets. I don’t want them to tell me, “Dad, guess what? Kobe smokes weed just like Tony accross the street.” Hell no, that’ll be the day - and we’re living in that day already.
There are young kids out there, myself included, who choose to stay clean of drugs and alcohol and are working on their future diligently, knowing that what gives you satisfaction in life is not wrapped up in paper or chilling in a fridge somewhere. What gives you satisfaction is setting goals and achieving them. These players have worked hard all their lives to get where they are today. Someone hands them 10-20,000,000 dollars a year and they still can’t get themselves “out of the ghetto.”
Brad Said,
May 29, 2008 @ 11:58 am
Joke’m wasn’t going to ever be much of a marquee name unless he did something ridiculous like this. Now he has the opportunity to reach out to a fan base not heard from much…Stoners for Noah…I visualize a tye dyed jersey marketing campaign in the near future for him to really rake in the cash for crunk!
Maybe he can sign with Kangaroo shoes & market a “stash pocket” in them. Better yet he can just quit the NBA before they crack (no pun intended) down on stoners who all wanna be Snoop-Dogg with a sneaker deal!
Bodzilla Said,
May 29, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
Why compare and contrast alcohol and weed? Why not base them separately, and consider both a big problem? You are belittling smoking weed to get across your main point of alcohol abuse. Both are big problems in the game, why not treat them both as such?
Word Smith Said,
May 29, 2008 @ 4:32 pm
With so many under-21 players now in the league, they should logically be testing them for alcohol, but for political reasons it probably won’t happen.
Michael Bennett Said,
May 29, 2008 @ 5:51 pm
Testing people for alcohol? Something that leaves your system in 24 hours? Good one, Word Smith. Or, er… Were you joking? If so, you’re not laying it on thick enough. If you aren’t joking, if you’re serious about testing for alcohol, someone should test YOU for more than alcohol.
As for Frankie J, why are you SOOOO uptight? Man… relax. Why are you so mad that the NBA teams pay the players so much money? And, did you know that YOU are responsible for their high wages? So am I. So is every basketball fan. We (fans/ consumers) pay money for tickets, gear, shoes, League Pass, stuff in commercials, etc. and that money goes to the owners who pay the players. Wow. It’s big business. Can you believe it? It’s a revelation! Jesus. Most people get paid what they deserve.
I never understood people getting so mad at others for smoking pot… or doing drugs. What do they care? No one’s forcing their way of life onto you or yours. What does it matter? My theory is that people just gripe and point fingers at others because they themselves have major problems and want/feel the need to mask it. Let the pothead be a pothead. What’s it to you? Like Ben Harper said “If you don’t like my fire, then don’t come around.” If YOU don’t like smoke, I’ve got the answer for you. Don’t smoke.
This is all coming from someone who does NOT smoke pot. I repeat. I do NOT smoke pot. But, what’s it to me if you want to smoke? Go ahead. Party on. Have fun. Do what you do. Peace and love. Heyo!
Frankie J Said,
May 29, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
Mr. Michael Bennett,
Maybe it isn’t any of my business, but as a hard working citizen I find it stupid that this society offers so much yet people who have it so much better than 90% of the rest of the nation still choose to convey this sort of image. It’s not this isolationist thing where you go lock yourself in your room and smoke a blunt and no one is affected. Do you even know how it’s like in the streets dude? The whole damn neighborhood smells like weed. Not to mention people don’t necessarily make the best choices while under the influences of alcohol and marijuana. I shouldn’t have to take precaution while walking my kid to school or allowing my wife to drive down the street at night. But even this I understand. The streets are littered with this stuff because people have nothing else. But having 4 million dollars thrown at you every year? No, it’s not just harming you, it’s affecting the image that my kids see. Dumb people, stupid people. They say that the best way to clean up the streets is to lift them up economically, but these guys are showing that even if you make them multi-millionares they still act like bums.
John Underwood Said,
May 30, 2008 @ 2:27 pm
Hey Michael …there is a cost effective urine test for alcohol available today which is detectable for up to 80 hours . It has been used in drug courts and mandated compliance for alcohol abusers. I am eagerly waiting for any sport organization including professional, olympic or major colleges (who give athletes among other things free educations with no conditions for behavior or lifestyle taken into account)to have the concern to use it and get what they deserve which is unadulterated pure performance rather than actions which absolutely reduce performance and careers. All I can think of just now is Jack Nicholson saying “You don’t want to know the truth…” Can you imagine having to tell someone thay can’t use drugs that negatively affect mental and physical performance… We unfortunately accept the bad with the good ,for the ones we most admire in sport ,just like we did for Mickey Mantle and others in the past. Personal choice is a private domain. So, this problem goes on and on. It takes consequence beliefs to impact decisions to drug or not to drug in today’s world, or values, or personal commitment to be a real athlete. Unfortunately these players are not veiwed as employees, or the front office would be going ballistic. What they do in their spare time is not their choice when they get paid to be at their best… not some % of it.
Michael Bennett Said,
May 30, 2008 @ 2:46 pm
a) The Jack line goes: “You can’t handle the truth!” Please, when quoting famous line from movies, at least get them semi-correct.
b) The whole point is that testing for alcohol is ridiculous. And, anyone who thinks that sports organizations should test for alcohol is ridiculous. If you think that way, don’t watch the sport. It’s that simple.
Freedom, anyone?
Billy Said,
May 30, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
Sam, many people do abuse alcohol that are not star athletes as well. If you abuse alcohol, you should be disappointed in yourself for writing this article and getting so many readers aroused on the topic thinking that you are something better than you are.
My main problem with marijuana is not the effects it has, but that it is a gateway drug. It often leads users to seek something better after a while, often pain killers, then cocaine and almost inevitably heroin eventually.
Zane Said,
May 30, 2008 @ 9:30 pm
As in the first paragraph, why is this news??
Ultimately its up to the player if they want to drink or smoke pot, it effects them personally in both health, earning potential and performance. Noah is in the off-season, I don’t think it’s really going to affect his performance that much unless he’s smoking a lot during the season (or right before the game).
Can’t there be a better topic on hoopshype at the mo? Like the Joey Crawford/Spurs debate, or um, oh yeah, the upcoming NBA finals perhaps?
420 dude Said,
May 31, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
ss, nice article! im so glad i found hoopshype.com!!!
for a while, i had been reading hoopsvibe.com and their articles are just complete garbage. seems like their writers are 12 year olds
Michael Bennett Said,
May 31, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
Billy - You wrote: “My main problem with marijuana… it is a gateway drug. It often leads users to… inevitably heroin eventually.”
Are you serious with this? Are you a paid comedian? Did you just get out of D.A.R.E. class? WTF?!?
If you really believe this, then you have to finally, for the first time, step outside and see the sunshine. Because this is THE most sheltered thoughts and opinions I’ve ever heard. Wake up! Grow up! “This ain’t reality TV!” - Jack
Dr. J-Water Said,
June 2, 2008 @ 12:40 am
Good Post Boi!
It’s not like marajuana is a performance enhancing drug. If a guy wants to decrease his performance with the use of a substance why should he be penalized by the league?
This is a police matter because the substance is illegal. The league should just stay out of it, and leave the punishment to police, or if anything the franchise for messing with contract obligations.
Ronald Said,
June 2, 2008 @ 9:47 am
I agree 100% with you. I don’t smoke pot, and I’m not screaming for it to be legalized. But, the numbers don’t lie. More people are injured or killed through alcohol related incidents than any other drug of choice.
David Said,
June 2, 2008 @ 1:07 pm
Hey, Picasso, I don’t agree with you much, but if you didn’t write that last post, I was going to.
I haven’t heard anything like that since my parents “talked” to me about drugs in the sixties !!
Talk about Urban Legends !!
Pete Said,
June 5, 2008 @ 9:53 am
You forgot about Keon Clark, who used to drink during half-time of games.
David Said,
June 5, 2008 @ 10:21 am
then what about Zarko Paspaj (Spurs) who used to practice with a lit cigarette between his lips??
Matt Said,
June 11, 2008 @ 10:49 pm
Hey Sam,
Great article and all, but watch the grammar. It’s “20s” not 20’s. I’m surprised that a published writer such as yourself would make such a gaffe.
Africanballer Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 2:56 am
Good article,
Noah is a confused kid striving for attention. He won’t last 3 yrs in the NBA, by 2010 or so he’ll be in the playoffs in some french team like Lehavre or something. Closer to his dad anyway.