Jerry Jones Urges NFL to End Marijuana Testing, Off-Field Conduct Investigations

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones urged owners to end the league's prohibition on marijuana and cease investigating players independently of the criminal justice system for off-field conduct.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported the news, citing a source close to an owners-only meeting.

Owners told Jones that the league's substance abuse policy is collectively bargained, which means players would have to agree to end the marijuana ban. The NFL already reduced penalties for positive marijuana tests, but multiple violations can still lead to a banishment from the league.

The NFL told Pro Football Talk it is "willing to listen to the medical community" regarding the use of marijuana. Some players have been proponents of using medical marijuana rather than prescription painkillers, which can be addictive.

The NFL is not, however, willing to change its stance on investigating off-field conduct. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell oversees the conduct policy, which at times punishes players who are not convicted of a crime. Its conduct policy was enacted following the Ray Rice domestic abuse scandal.