Total Pro Sports
Former NFL star Ricky Williams has received some fantastic news this week.
Williams, an iconic running back for the Texas Longhorns, played his part in the fight to block a Texas bill seeking to ban all consumable cannabis products with THC. All it was missing was Governor Greg Abbott’s signature.
Williams, who had notable marijuana-related issues during his time playing in the NFL, made a plea to the Governor to veto the bill, arguing that cannabis was one of the reasons he managed to stay “balanced and healthy” while he was in the NFL.
“Now it’s helping veterans manage PTSD and families manage pain. These changes in the law don’t protect Texans — it punishes them,” he said in a press release.
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick championed the bill, with Abbott the only one in its way.
“I’m calling on my friend, Greg Abbott, to please veto this bill and stand with the veterans, farmers and families who know there is a better way forward,” Williams also said in a video on social media.
It appears Ricky’s pleas did not fall on deaf ears as Abbot scrapped the bill in the final stages of it potentially being passed, explaining his decision in a four-page statement.
Marijuana and THC have been a subject of disagreement for lawmakers in Texas, although the stance on them has changed around the country in recent years.
Williams, meanwhile, has been an advocate for THC and felt strongly enough about it to sacrifice some of his NFL career so he could use marijuana without consequence, after getting suspended on several occasions.
The former running back retired from football in 2004 but returned only to be banned and sit out the entire 2006 season. He has something to cheer now.
