Pot Advocate: Larry Sanders

Cheech and Chong would be very happy.

Another athlete has stepped into the public spotlight and spoken in favor of marijuana's legalization.

New York Jet Antonio Cromartie and Seattle Seahawk head coach Pete Carroll already offered their insight on the matter.

Larry Sanders -- the injured Milwaukee Buck and recreational pot user -- just got hit with a five-game suspension for testing positive for the pernicious weed.

I guess marijuana does affect the memory.

Did Sanders seriously forget who his employer is and that said employer randomly screens its employees for drug usage?

I'm certainly in favor of the legalization of marijuana. In fact, I agree with Larry's stance. He stated that, "It's a banned substance in my league. But I believe in marijuana and the medical side of it. I know what it is if I'm going to use it."

Furthermore, Sanders went on to make comments such as:

• "The stigma is that it's illegal ... I hate that."
• "Once this becomes legal, this all will go away. But I understand for my work, it's a banned substance. I will deal with the consequences and I apologize again to my fans for that."

I'm happy to see some accountability here for Sanders. He understands what he did was illegal and will deal with the repercussions.

The only qualm I have is the behavior exhibited. Sanders is a professional athlete and he's by far no dummy. He knows the NBA doesn't tolerate players testing positive for reefer madness, which is why they have disciplinary policies designated for failed screenings.

Who's to say his behavior won't continue and, therefore, pose a bigger problem for the Milwaukee Buck organization?

Sanders is a solid forward, but if he continues to fail these drug screenings, he doesn't do himself or the Bucks any favors.