Defensive end David Irving took to Instagram on August 17 to tell the world what he thought of the NFL’s stance on cannabis.
Irving, 25, is under suspension for the first four games of the 2018 season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
In a post with a picture of himself he defended his use of cannabis rather than the addictive prescription drugs he’s found to be ineffective for treating his pain.
“check this , y’all wanna judge n say what’s right or wrong. These guys prescribe me Xanax bars, ambien, and painkillers, some of us, like myself have been smoking weed since 12. Never been in trouble w the law. Always had a 3.0 or higher too. It’s natural, I’d much rather smoke weed than take all that lab made [expletive]. You [expletive] talk so much [expletive] as if I’m on heroin.”
In a calmer communication on Instagram, Irving quoted the Alcoholics Anonymous prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change … The courage to change the things I can … And the wisdom to know the difference.”
The Dallas Cowboys announced in June that Irving was suspended for the first four games of the 2018 season for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. In 2017, Irving was also given a 4-game suspension for the same reason.
Irving also wrote on Instagram that he intends to stop using cannabis because it’s the right thing to do for his family even though he disagrees with the league’s marijuana policy.
“No matter how [expletive] up the rules are, I have to follow them,” Irving said.
The Cowboys will open the 2018 season Sept. 9 against the Carolina Panthers but Irving won’t be eligible to return until Oct. 1, in time for the game against the Houston Texans.
