The NFL generally has strict penalties for drug-related infractions. Josh Gordon was once suspended indefinitely from the league, while Daryl Washington received a full-year suspension in 2014. Aldon Smith received a nine-game ban in the same year before later being suspended indefinitely. Will Fuller missed six games in the 2020 season due to a drug infraction.
It's not a good idea for athletes to take drugs, so when football fans saw a picture of Aaron Rodgers looking like he might have been under the influence, they were a little concerned.
However, one user pointed out that it's no longer illegal in the NFL.
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Packers fans couldn't resist dragging Pat McAfee into it.
The NFL's harshest drug punishments
The league has never taken drug abuse lightly. In 1989, former Cincinnati Bengal Stanley Wilson was suspended for life. In 1995, Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Bernard Williams also received a lifetime ban.
The following is a list of players who received indefinite bans, but were later reinstated:
- Tanard Jackson (2x)
- Dale Carter (2x)
- Fred Davis
- Tony Peters
- Johnny Jolly
- Silas Redd
- Travis Henry
Those who did not have their indefinite suspensions removed:
- Justin Blackmon
- Tanard Jackson (his third indefinite suspension)
- Trey Watts
- Sammie Lee Hill
- Martavis Bryant
- Josh Gordon (has had two indefinite suspensions)
- Randy Gregory
- David Irving
- Rolando McLain
Players who missed out on an entire season due to drug-related suspensions:
- Darren Waller
- Justin Gilbert
- Aldon Smith
- Frank Alexander
- Dion Jordan
- Ricky Williams
While the league does seem to have mellowed regarding weed-related offenses in recent years, they're still prone to cracking down on other types of substance abuse. As such, players, including Aaron Rodgers, have to be very careful.