Phil Jackson used pot as 'a distraction' from pain during playing career

It turns out Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr isn't the only one who used marijuana to help treat back pain.

New York Knicks president Phil Jackson says he did as well when he played for the Knicks after undergoing back surgery, which forced him to miss the 1969-70 campaign.

"I was smoking marijuana during that period of time," the 71-year-old said Tuesday on CBS Sports Network's "We Need to Talk," as transcribed by James Herbert.

"I think it was a distraction for me as much as a pain reliever. But I never thought of it as ultimately a pain medication for that type of situation."

Jackson wasn't penalized at the time, as the NBA didn't implement a drug policy until 1983. The league now subjects its players to regular testing, with consequences including entry into the Marijuana program, fines, and multi-game suspensions.

The Hall of Fame coach notes that despite the league's efforts, pot use remains part of the culture.

"We have tried to stop (marijuana use) in the NBA. I don't think we have been able to stop it. I think it still goes on and is still a part of the culture in the NBA. It is something that we either have to accommodate or figure out another way to deal with it," he said.

Related: NBA says coaches are also tested for marijuana

Kerr said medicinal marijuana as a painkiller is less harmful than other drugs, and he thinks it's only a matter of time before the league comes to terms with that.

In contrast, Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson has spoken out against the drug, saying it's "not cool" and can lead people to more serious narcotics.