Nick Diaz Drug Test Fail and the Biggest Potheads in Sports

Ah the euphoric herb, the psychedelic plant. Nothing quite stimulates the nerves like several puffs of the ganja. At least that's what Bob Marley taught us.

While it may not enhance athletic performance, you can bet it's relaxing effects have had an impact on the sports world since ancient times, when tribes used severed heads as balls.

Something about the dank aroma makes it irresistible to even the most prolific superstars.

Whether they couldn't elude the stinky, yet arousing stench or needed to increase their food intake, these athletes were caught in the act, dissected and scrutinized for their use.

With Nick Diaz testing positive yet again for marijuana use, now seems like an ideal time to check out the biggest stoners in sports.

Someone pop open the window, it's gonna get smokey in here.

15. Geovany Soto

Some guys just can't handle success.

After a memorable 2008 in which Geovany Soto hit .285 with 23 home runs and 86 RBIs, started the All-Star Game and was named National League Rookie of the Year, the promising catcher seemed destined for greatness.

Until he tested positive for pot at the World Baseball Classic in 2009.

Putting his catcher's mask on correctly would've been a good start.

14. Michael Vick

Sure running a dog-fighting ring got him the most negative attention, but it wasn't so long ago that new-generation signal caller Michael Vick tested positive for marijuana.

Even with the slowed reaction time, Vick was eons above his competition in speed.

13. Rasheed Wallace

As a featured member of the notorious Portland "Jailblazers", 'Sheed Wallace was known for his constant shenanigans on-and-off the court.

Sure he's sparked fights with teammates, officials and everyone who got in his way, but Wallace loves that herb.

Just ask Damon Stoudamire.

12. Udonis Haslem

Apparently Udonis Haslem was jealous of all the attention the three superstars on his team were getting so he decided to make headlines himself.

With the Miami Heat essentially consisting of three players, Haslem needed something to keep him stimulated on the bench.

Mary Jane kept him smiling.

11. Santonio Holmes

Seemingly always surrounded by controversy, talented, yet mercurial receiver Santonio Holmes was caught with the chronic bubonic in 2008 while with the Steelers.

His career continues to be flooded with more talk than play.

Hopefully a couple's retreat with his quarterback ("that's my quarterback") can get Holmes headed in the right direction.

10. Dmitri Young

There was a time when former slugger Dmitri Young was a somehow-subtle 275 pounds.

Many fans were baffled, curious as to how the once-230 pounder could gain so much in so little time.

It's been said that diets can increase exponentially with the puffing of the herb.

An alleged comeback gets him on this list.

9. Rob Van Dam

Considering he wrote his own blog post about his allegiance to pot, it's safe to say pro wrestler Rob Van Dam is quite the smoker.

The 18 grams of marijuana he was caught with in 2006 after being stopped for speeding should confirm our previous assumption.

8. Michael Beasley

Great tattoo bro, but we're a bit more curious as to what's occupying that plastic bag on the table.

We hate to play mother, but go clean your room young one.

A lack of focus continues to hinder Michael Beasley's once-promising career.

7. Nick Diaz

While it wouldn't be the first time UFC Welterweight Nick Diaz tested positive for marijuana after a fight, this was perhaps the final blow.

Yes he tested positive for pot after his loss to Carlos Condit, but what's really baffling is how he battled through the hazy state.

Let's call him the Dock Ellis of Mixed Martial Arts, with slightly less success.

6. Lance Mackey

Arguably the greatest dog-sled racer in Alaska, Lance Mackey just reeks of pothead. We'd like to believe he's thinking that's his wife next to him in this picture.

A four-time winner of the 1,000-mile Yukon Quest and four-time winner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Mackey can't possibly be blamed for his medical usage, right?

Hopefully he brings snacks for the long rides.

5. Randy Moss

With his last name being a plant, it's only natural that all-everything receiver Randy Moss likes to burn it up.

After he admitted it, we began to question the competition.

Arguably the most dominant receiver of the past decade, Moss was just trying to help out defenses by slowing himself down a bit.

He still couldn't be stopped.

4. Josh Howard

Like they say, curiosity killed the cat.

Ok so that may not apply, but Josh Howard should be commended for his honesty and focus while in season.

Perhaps he should stick to popping champagne in the locker room.

3. Michael Phelps

At first we thought this was perhaps a one-time incident, following Michael Phelps' confirmation that this was "indeed him" (thanks for clearing that up).

But after studying his 12,000-calorie diet, it's clear the man with 16 Olympic medals needs some extra assistance for his meals.

2. Tim Lincecum

He looks like Mitch Kramer from Dazed and Confused, wears a beanie in San Francisco (where we like to believe it's always warm) and plays baseball once every five days.

Yea, we're not surprised he puffs the magic dragon.

1. Ricky Williams

In retrospect, ESPN Films should've named the documentary about this talented running back "Smoke Ricky Smoke."

A well-known pothead, Ricky Williams was perhaps the most honest athlete in regards to his usage. He escaped the game of football to go find himself (essentially smoke weed).

Even more astounding was his domination amid the controversy.

One of the most talented pair of feet to ever touch the gridiron.