Eugene Monroe calls for players to donate to marijuana research

Eugene Monroe announced on Twitter that he will donate $10,000 to marijuana research and has called on his fellow NFL players also contribute.

Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Eugene Monroe announced on Twitter that he will donate $10,000 to marijuana research and has called on his fellow NFL players also contribute.

Monroe has donated to the Realm of Carings Foundation, which looks into the health benefits of marijuana as a form of therapy. Monroe has been a proponent for changing the NFL's stance on marijuana as a possible benefit to combat pain and concussions.

Rather than rely on opioids and noninflammatory medications, Monroe said many NFL players would prefer to turn to marijuana to help with pain relief as there is concern over getting addicted to certain pain medications.​

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If I'm a fan, I'm pissed at the time I wasted listening to Goodell lie to me at the Super Bowl. As a player I sure am

— Eugene Monroe (@MrEugeneMonroe) March 15, 2016

Let's do some #research to protect the players who make it great

— Eugene Monroe (@MrEugeneMonroe) March 15, 2016

If 100 players gave 1,000 for research. Or 200 gave 500, We can get Realm of Carings initiative in conjunction with John Hopkins U started

— Eugene Monroe (@MrEugeneMonroe) March 15, 2016

I'm putting a $10,000 dent in it myself

— Eugene Monroe (@MrEugeneMonroe) March 15, 2016

And more if nobody steps up!

— Eugene Monroe (@MrEugeneMonroe) March 15, 2016

Let's put our hard earned money towards our health and wellness futures

— Eugene Monroe (@MrEugeneMonroe) March 15, 2016

Many former NFL players report suffering from memory loss and depression, likely caused by CTE, a brain disease shown to be linked to football-related head trauma. Several players, including Junior Seau and Dave Duerson, have committed suicide and shown signs of CTE.

Jeff Miller, the NFL's senior vice president for health and safety, testified before the House of Representatives on Monday and was asked by Illinois congresswoman Jan Schakowsky whether he thinks “there is a link between football and degenerative brain disorders like CTE.” Miller confirmed the connection.

NFL officials have previously declined to say whether football is to blame for former players’ brain diseases.