A group comprised of prominent sports figures and entertainers has dispatched a letter to the White House, imploring President Donald Trump to implement cannabis reform.

OG Article  Written By Jackson Thompson Fox News Watch Today's LIVE Episode on YouTube, X, and Rumble

June 27, 2025

The collective is spearheaded by boxing icon Mike Tyson, NBA sensation Kevin Durant, former NBA star Allen Iverson, erstwhile boxer Roy Jones Jr., ex-Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant, previous NFL star Antonio Brown, and former NFL player and notable cannabis advocate Ricky Williams. Williams' designation appears twice among the list of signatories.

The second point within the correspondence urges Trump to reclassify the substance from a Schedule I classification to a Schedule III. The distinction between these respective schedules, determined by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), dictates how substances are perceived in terms of their potential for misuse versus their therapeutic utility. Schedule I substances possess a high potential for misuse and are recognized as having no accepted medical application in the U.S. They also carry a substantial risk for severe psychological and/or physical reliance. Schedule III substances exhibit a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological reliance compared to Schedule I and II substances, and they have accepted medical applications in the United States.

"Cannabis's current categorization as a Schedule I substance is scientifically outdated, financially detrimental, and inconsistent with contemporary medical understanding," the letter asserts. "Rescheduling cannabis would align federal law with state policies, foster innovation, encourage research, and stimulate economic growth."

The assembly refers to itself as the "Coalition of Athletes and Entertainers Supporting President Trump’s Policy Objectives."

The letter highlights three primary tenets in their proposed overhaul: Clemency for "nonviolent" cannabis offenses, endorsement for cannabis rescheduling, and the cessation of "discriminatory banking practices."

The initial point in the letter draws attention to Trump's prior pardon of music producer Weldon Angelos, who received a 55-year prison sentence in November 2004 for cannabis-related charges. Angelos was released in 2016 and subsequently pardoned by Trump in December 2020. The letter also critiqued former President Joe Biden for his perceived inaction in addressing cannabis-related incarcerations.

"Presently, individuals continue to serve protracted federal sentences for conduct that is now permissible in most states – rendering their ongoing imprisonment not only unjust but illogical. After making sweeping pledges to voters in 2020, former President Biden failed to fulfill his commitment to rectify cannabis-related injustices. Not only did he conclude his term without commuting the sentences of those confined for cannabis offenses, but in one of his final actions, he rejected nearly every pending cannabis-related clemency application," the letter states.

"This disregard only underscores the pressing need for decisive leadership, we believe, and presents an occasion to rectify glaring disparities as part of your Administration’s ongoing drive for criminal justice reform."

The concluding point in the letter, which argues against "discriminatory banking practices," notes that Trump previously opposed a U.S. initiative known as "Operation Choke Point," which investigated financial institutions and their dealings with firearm vendors, payday lenders, and other businesses that, despite operating lawfully, were deemed to carry a high risk for fraud and money laundering.

The group contended that cannabis enterprises have also been adversely affected by that initiative and other banking procedures.

"State-legal cannabis operators, including many of us, have also been unfairly denied banking services despite full adherence to state law," the letter read. "Despite conducting business legally in 40 states, employing over 450,000 Americans, and generating more than $35 billion annually, these businesses encounter unwarranted obstacles to banking services, and their personnel struggle to secure mortgages from conventional lenders.

"Furthermore, cannabis businesses cannot claim standard business deductions, leading to effective tax rates often surpassing 85%. While foreign cannabis companies benefit from listings on U.S. exchanges, such as NYSE and NASDAQ, American cannabis operators are unfairly excluded. We fully support your dedication to 'collaborate with Congress to enact sensible legislation, including secure banking,' ensuring equitable economic prospects and equal access to financial services for all American businesses."

The other individuals listed on the communication to the White House include former NBA players Steven Jackson, Chris Webber, JR Smith, John Salley, and Al Harrington; former NFL players Jim McMahon, Kyle Turley, Champ Bailey, Marvin Washington, and Tony Richardson; and former boxers Boyd Melson, Paul Williams, and Keith Thurman.

The entertainment figures mentioned in the letter are streamer Adin Ross, rappers Lil Pump and Ralo, and musician Wyclef.