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The Baltimore Ravens pulled Eugene Monroe off the field for their mandatory minicamp with the intent to trade the left tackle that has battled injuries for the two years he was in Baltimore. Eugene Monroe happened to be battling something else too though, he has been an outspoken medical marijuana advocate.
Earlier this off-season Monroe was in the news for donating $10k to further research the benefits of medical marijuana, and he loudly has called for the NFL to change their rules regarding marijuana as a banned substance. Many people see this move by the Baltimore Ravens as a direct response to this advocacy, including Monroe himself.
@Ravens continue to distance themselves from me and my cause. I invite you all to do some research. I won't stop. This is for my brothers
— Eugene Monroe (@MrEugeneMonroe) June 10, 2016
I sincerely respect Eugene Monroe for his bravery in advocating for medical marijuana despite the possibility of it affecting his relationships in the NFL, which it seems may have happened. The other part of this though is that there are other possible reasons for the eventual dismissal of Monroe from the team, he was set to make $6.5M and had missed 15 games over the past two seasons.
There is reason to believe that Monroe's marijuana advocacy played a part in his release but he also has been considered in Baltimore to be injury prone. The $6.5M a year salary is a sizable commitment to a player if their ability to stay healthy is questioned. He played well when healthy though and will have suitors quickly, namely the New York Giants who already appear in heavy pursuit of the tackle.
Any team that does sign Eugene Monroe to a contract needs to be prepared for him to continue his medical marijuana advocacy. He is truly committed to the cause and understandably so when you look at the opioid epidemic and the amount of opioid painkillers being prescribed to NFL players.
Monroe was already very vocal before this, and the feeling of it having cost him his job in Baltimore is unlikely to do anything but strengthen his resolve. He even put up another tweet just over an hour ago pledging his lifelong intent to continue his advocacy for the NFL to allow medical marijuana. Whether you agree with his stance or not, we all can agree that this man is absolutely determined in his pursuit of his cause.
— Eugene Monroe (@MrEugeneMonroe) June 16, 2016
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