Speaking at his annual "State of the NFL" media event on Friday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said there are no plans to change the league's policy on medical marijuana, despite two-thirds of NFL franchises being in states that allow its use.
"We always review our drug policy. That is something that our medical professionals do on a regular basis," Goodell stated. "We are not restricted, obviously, by the state laws. It's an NFL policy and we believe it's the correct policy for now and in the best interest of our players and the long term health of our players."
The 45-minute news conference covered a number of topics, including safety, the relocation of the St. Louis Rams to L.A., the future of the Pro Bowl and a review of claims involving an Al-Jazeera documentary which claimed an alleged link between Peyton Manning and human growth hormone.
Goodell said there was a private review and the league is working with the World Anti-Doping Agency and law enforcement to get all the information.
"We will work with law enforcement if they are involved but we will also continue our own investigations and working [sic] cooperatively with everyone to make sure that we are taking this seriously, that we find out the conclusions. When we find out the facts we will share them, as we have in the past." Goodell said.
He said that at this point there was not a need for an independent investigation.
Manning has denied any use of banned substances.
"I know exactly what they'll find, a big fat nothing. But I know the rules, I respect the rules and the regulations of the NFL. They're important me. And it's been completely fabricated, what that story alleged that I did. It's complete junk," Manning said this week.
During Friday's news conference, Goodell also confirmed that the Raiders would play the Texans in Mexico City on Nov. 21. That would be the first regular season NFL game in Mexico since 2001.
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