The Buffalo Bills have announced that tackle Seantrel Henderson has been issued a 10-game suspension by the NFL for violating its policy on controlled substances. Henderson, who suffers from Crohn’s disease, says he has used marijuana to control the symptoms.
Seantrel Henderson facing 10-game suspension for using marijuana to treat Crohn’s disease
Many who suffer from Crohn’s turn to marijuana instead of steroids to combat the symptoms of the disease.
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jeanna Kelley has been covering the Falcons for The Falcoholic since 2011 and the NFL for SB Nation since 2015.
Henderson previously served a four-game suspension at the beginning of the 2016 season for the same reason. He also faced suspensions during his college career at the University of Miami for marijuana use.
It was a difficult offseason for Henderson, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s toward the end of last season. He underwent two surgeries to combat the effects of Crohn’s and lost a great deal of weight due to the impact of the disease.
Crohn’s is a debilitating disease that impacts the lining of the intestinal tract. It’s extremely painful and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Medicinal marijuana is often used by those who suffer from Crohn’s to minimize the effects of the disease without resorting to steroid use. Steroids, of course, are also a banned substance under the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
The Bills issued a brief statement on Henderson’s suspension, saying, “The league has notified us of the suspension, and we are moving forward with our preparations to play the Oakland Raiders this Sunday.”
Henderson’s suspension begins immediately and will apply to all regular season and postseason games until the suspension is completed. He will be eligible to participate in all offseason training programs, preseason practices, and preseason games.
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