Report: Jones pushed NFL to end marijuana ban, off-field conduct investigations

During an owners-only meeting last week in Arizona, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones raised the issue of marijuana use by NFL players, expressing his desire for the league to drop its prohibition on the drug's use, a source told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Jones was reminded that, while the NFL is open to any potential rule changes based on evidence from the medical community, any such alterations to the substance-abuse policy would have to be made during the next collective bargaining agreement negotiations, added Florio.

In recent years, the Cowboys have seen players like linebacker Rolando McClain, and pass-rushers Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, suspended due to the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

Jones also lobbied for the league to ends its practice of conducting its own investigations into players' off-field misconduct, though a league spokesman told Florio the NFL is intent on maintaining "its commitment to pursuing investigations that are relevant and meaningful."

Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott is the subject of a domestic violence investigation by the league, which has been ongoing since near the start of his rookie season. Jones has insisted "there is just nothing" to Elliott's assault allegations, and Florio noted the 74-year-old has "lingering frustrations" over the NFL's extended investigation.