STEPNOSKI: JUST SAY NO... TO TOUGH POT LAWS

New York - Former Dallas Cowboys lineman Mark Stepnoski has taken his share
of hits - on the field and off.

As president of the Texas chapter of the National Organization for the
Reform of Marijuana Laws, the former Pro Bowler now actively works with
NORML in an effort to change public perception about marijuana use, its
effects and those using the drug.

"You can't have amotivational syndrome if you're going to play in the NFL,"
Stepnoski says. "Since I was a kid, I wanted to play in the NFL. Even
though I occasionally used marijuana, it never prevented me from attaining
my goals."

Stepnoski, who won two Super Bowl rings while with Dallas, also contends
more athletes would publicly support NORML's cause if not for fear of
reprisals.

"If there is one thing that is stopping people from speaking out, it's the
fear of greater scrutiny," he says. "It's not just the police. It's the
IRS. People don't want to give up everything they've worked for just
because they believe marijuana laws should be changed.

"We're trying to get marijuana reclassified so people can pay a ticket
instead of going to jail," says Stepnoski. "The punishment doesn't fit the
crime."