Boxing legend Mike Tyson shook the sports world yesterday when news broke that the former heavyweight champion of the world was purchasing 40-acres of land in California to transform into a cannabis resort.
Tyson’s foray into cannabis makes him one of many former pro athletes that have turned their focus towards the plant and its benefits. Some are using their voice to launch business while others are using theirs to spark conversations.
Here is a list of 5 former athletes who are making their presence known in the cannabis industry through advocacy or business.
Eugene Monroe:Â
The former Baltimore Raven lineman left the league after he called for fellow players to be able to use CBD products for pain relief and rehab. Monroe would eventually leave the gridiron and turn his focus towards cannabis.
An out-spoken advocate for CBD use for players
Monroe is also a partner in RISE dispensaries in Maryland
Al Harrington
Harrington bypassed offers from UNC-Chapel Hill and other blue-chip programs to jump straight to the league out of high school. After a successful career in the N.B.A., the New Jersey native left the hardwood for a life in cannabis.
Harrington used cannabis to rehab from knee injuries. Now Harrington is huge advocate for fellow players being able to use cannabis for pain relief. He even went as far as to bring former N.B.A. commissioner David Stern to his side.
Cliff RobinsonÂ
Cliff Robinson grew into a solid player over his time in the N.B.A. He played a pivotal role on the Portland Trailblazers during their run in the Western Conference during the early 2000’s. Now, Cliff is in Oregon and is living his best life in weed.
Robinson, who was suspended from the league for marijuana use is now taking advantage of the plant.
His Uncle Spliffy brand creates cannabis products tailored made for athletes.
Jake Plummer
Another athlete who’s injuries led him to finding alternative medicine is Jake Plummer. The former Denver Broncos quarterback has partnered with Colorado nonprofit Realm of Caring to auction off game-day experiences for fans to benefit cannabinoid research.
Plummer has been one of the leading voices pushing for N.F.L. players to be able to use cannabis products for rehab purposes.
Ricky WilliamsÂ
One of the first athletes to openly stand-up for cannabis was Ricky Williams. The University of Texas stand-out went on to become an all-pro running back while playing for the Miami Dolphins. He made his biggest headlines when he left the league early over his prefered use of cannabis.
He did make his way back into the league and had a stellar career overall, but his biggest achievements might be off the field.
Williams is partnering with Jim McAlpine, the creator of the 420 Games, to cofound a cannabis-friendly gym in San Francisco called Power Plant Fitness and Wellness. Patrons at the gym “will be able to smoke marijuana or ingest edibles, then work out, take yoga and meditation classes, undergo acupuncture, or get massages.”
