Former Cowboys, DT David Irving, prepare to leave the NFL

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Former Dallas Cowboys DT David Irving made headlines Newspapers dropped out of an NFL gambling career in exchange for smoking grass freely.exclusive interview with USA Today Sports, the retired professional reveals his future projects in the field of cannabis. "Data-reactid =" 22 "> The former Dallas Cowboys player, DT David Irving, made the headlines by giving up a career in the NFL in exchange for smoking grass freely. Exclusive interview with USA Today Sports, the retired professional unveils his future projects in the cannabis field.

Irving did not hesitate a word during one of his last interactions with Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett, revealing that the longtime boss had encouraged him to stop to play to be able to smoke without repercussion.

"He told me that I had to quit, smoke all the grass I wanted, the team did not need me," said the 25-year-old USA Today Sports Thursday. "I am a distraction for the team."

Still serving the league, Irving has been suspended three times over the last three reasons for breaking the NFL's rules on drug and psychoactive substance abuse.

On the contrary, Irving said the owner Jerry Jones had confirmed his decision to leave the team.

"Basically, Jerry, he supports me. He understands my situation and what I was doing with it. Our hands were pretty much tied. His hands were tied, "said the Compton native.

<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Irving & nbsp;ad& nbsp; his retirement on March 8, lighting up a blunt on his Instagram when he announced the information. "data-reactid =" 28 "> Irving announced his retirement on March 8, illuminating an email on his Instagram when he delivered the news.

"So, basically, I stopped, guys," Irving said in his articles on Instagram. "They want to talk about a suspension and all these other nonsense. I came out of there. I do not do that … no more. It's a lot of reasons. "

Although Irving stayed in the Cowboys lineup throughout the season, the former Iowa State player did not take a shot after October.

Although the Cowboys' front-office did not respond to USA Today's request for comment after Irving's interview, Garrett explained Irving's status with the team during the NFL game. February.

"Obviously, he's faced a lot of things in the past year and was not really part of our team this year," Garrett told reporters. "He is a free agent as we know him and will address specific issues with specific guys as he goes along."

Irving and the Cowboys' staff have not been in communication, but defense coordinator Rod Marinelli has contacted him at least once since the end of the season.

New beginnings

Now that his playing days are behind him, Irving is focusing his attention on the ever-growing marijuana industry.

Patrick Williams, marketing director of Ghost Beverages, confirmed with USA TODAY Sports that the company and Irving had accepted undisclosed conditions. The California company is in talks to launch two products under the new Irving DI95 brand: cannabidiol pre-rolls (seals) and cannabidiol hooded pens.

Irving also confirmed that he would serve as executive producer of a new division called "Shut Up and Tackle", which focuses on the controversial league's position on drug use.

Irving thinks that with more research, the NFL can, hopefully, take a softer approach to using marijuana for medical purposes. Not only does he say that it can solve the persistent problem of concussions, but he also benefits athletes with mental illness.

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