Ex-NFL's Shaun Phillips Says NFL Should Provide Free Weed Instead of Free Rx Pills

Ex-NFL defensive stud Shaun Phillips says the NFL is giving out the wrong drugs -- saying the league should be handing out marijuana to players ... and just saying NO to prescription pills.

Phillips played 11 seasons in the league -- killing QBs for the Chargers and Broncos -- and says he got free Rx pills during his career to manage pain ... while being threatened with a suspension if he touched pot.

"It should be the other way around," Phillips says ... "You should get suspended for using opiates and be able to smoke marijuana."

Phillips says he respects the league and its decision -- but clearly wants change.