Harm Reduction and NFL Drug Policy

Abstract

This article examines the National Football League’s (NFL) policy on illicit psychoactive drugs from a harm reduction perspective. The NFL’s policy reinforces the punitive tradition in U.S. drug policy. The policy features drug testing and requires abstinence from illegal drugs. The NFL punishes players with suspensions from employment and loss of pay. The harm reduction tradition does not require abstinence and counts lost employment as a form of harm to workers. The article analyzes three cases of player suspensions from a harm reduction perspective. An introductory proposal to reform the NFL’s policy emphasizes intensive communication by the league with the community of stakeholders, including advertisers and the public. The article addresses both the league’s need for public approval and the goal of reducing harm to its workers.