The former NBA star Matt Barnes is on a mission. He wants his former teammates and other professional athletes to be able to use marijuana without fear of punishment or the stigma traditionally associated with cannabis.
"The old stereotypes are outdated," said Barnes in a special 4/20 edition of Cheddar's CannaBiz. "We all know doing it throughout our careers how it helped us and the benefits it gave us."
Barnes, who won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in his final season in the league in 2017, is the executive producer of a new Bleacher Report series called "BR x 420"about marijuana in pro sports. It includes interviews with more than a dozen former NBA and NFL players talking about their support for more tolerant cannabis rules, and smoking up.
"The fact that they are speaking on it is huge," said Barnes. "We just hope to continue to grow the momentum."
The NBA, NFL, and Major League Baseball have negotiated collective bargaining agreements with their players' unions that include provisions for drug testing and punishments for cannabis use.
For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/playing-high-the-role-of-cannabis-in-sports).
Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team finally has a new moniker, the Guardians. Formerly known as the Indians, the organization made a change to the team name after years of public scrutiny and claims of appropriation of Native American culture. Cheddar’s Hena Doba and Baker Machado provide some additional details into the name change.
Here are your Need2Know stories for Tuesday June 7, 2022:
Today, voters head to the polls for primary elections in California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota.
Senator Joe Manchin said he would support raising age requirements for gun purchases to 21. Manchin told CNN he also "wouldn't have a problem looking at" a ban on AR-15 assault rifles.
Meanwhile, five players on the Tampa Bay Rays roster opted not to wear a patch added to its uniforms intended to celebrate pride month.
Shaheen Holloway, fresh off leading Saint Peter's on an improbable Elite Eight run, says on Closing Bell that he is looking to take his alma mater Seton Hall to new heights this coming season as head coach. Holloway also provides his insight on the NIL era in college athletics - while he's happy for the players, he also considers the current system 'scary' because more rules and regulations need to be in place.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is partnering with eye-drop brand Pataday to help those struggling with allergies — such as himself. The Super Bowl LVI MVPjoined Cheddar News to discuss his own struggle with seasonal allergies. “It's right when football's starting back up, I feel like I get so excited to finally be back playing the game, and then, you know, spring comes around and completely knocks me out," he said.
Jill Gregory, EVP & General Manager of Sonoma Raceway, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell, where she discusses how next weekend's NASCAR slate will be ramped up, with fans attending at full capacity, and how the venue's road course will give both drivers and fans a unique experience.
