In a bold move that has sparked debate within the SHL community, Boston Badgers D Ted Keefe has publicly called for the league to eliminate restrictions against marijuana usage among its players.
Keefe, who is one of the league’s most respected blueliners, admitted in an interview this week has been using marijuana as a pain reliever for the last several seasons, argues that it is a safer and more effective alternative to traditional painkiller medication.
“I’ve been using marijuana for years to manage pain and discomfort from injuries sustained on the ice,” Keefe stated. “It’s been a game-changer for me, both physically and mentally. I truly believe that allowing players to use marijuana would be beneficial for their overall health and well-being.”
The 39-year-old defenseman, who is contemplating retirement at the end of the season, decided to speak out while he is still actively playing in the league. Keefe, who has never failed a drug test, believes that it is time for the SHL to reconsider its stance on marijuana and adopt a more progressive approach to player wellness.
“Honestly, pro sports is at least 10 years behind the times on this,” said Keefe. “Whenever you talk about cannabis in a pro sports context, everyone thinks you’re Cheech and Chong and you just want to get high. That’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about safe, responsible usage for pain management.”
The defenseman pointed out that the alternatives can be much worse. “I mean, think about the number of athletes who got hooked on painkillers and the damage it’s done to their lives,” said Keefe. “Team doctors would hand those out like candy. But marijuana is out of bounds? Why? It’s stupid to me that we can’t even have a discussion about it.”
Keefe’s stance has garnered both support and criticism from his peers and league officials. Badgers C Eddie Costello expressed admiration for his teammate’s advocacy efforts.
“I have a lot of respect for Ted for speaking out on this issue,” Costello said. “He’s shining a light on something that affects many athletes but often goes unaddressed. If marijuana can help players manage pain and avoid the potential dangers of prescription painkillers, then I think it’s worth considering.”
However, Badgers head coach Kyle Barrow, while respecting Keefe’s decision to speak out, expressed concern about the timing of his comments.
“I understand where Ted is coming from, but I wish he had waited until after the season to make his views public,” Barrow remarked. “We’re in the midst of a playoff push, and I worry that this could become a distraction for the team. Nonetheless, I respect Ted’s right to voice his opinion.”
Marijuana has been a controversial subject in the SHL in recent years. Last season, Kansas City Smoke RW Tyler Cloude admitted to using marijuana and talked openly about investing in a local dispensary, earning a rebuke from teammate Trevor Lockwood, who is a devout Christian. Later in the year, the Utah Blizzard suspended broadcaster Roman Bandikoff for on-air comments criticizing America’s laws on guns and marijuana.
SHL Commissioner Frank Driscoll said that, while the league would not discipline Keefe for his comments, reiterated that marijuana use remains officially against league rules, although the league does not perform random drug tests.
“While we appreciate Ted’s advocacy efforts, it’s important to note that marijuana use is still prohibited under SHL regulations,” Driscoll stated. “We will continue to monitor the situation and assess any potential changes to our policies in the future.”
As the debate surrounding marijuana usage in the SHL continues, Keefe remains steadfast in his belief that allowing players to use marijuana could have positive implications for their health and overall performance on the ice. Whether his advocacy efforts will lead to tangible changes within the league remains to be seen.
Costello found some humor in the situation, saying in reference to the Badgers’ uniforms, “Hey, I guess it fits that we wear green.”
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