John Salley says he STRONGLY believes marijuana can extend the careers of pro athletes -- claiming if he smoked weed while he was playing in the NBA, "I'd probably still be playing."
The 52-year-old was out in L.A. over the weekend -- and explained why it's time for the NBA, NFL and even the NCAA to drop the antiquated anti-weed policies and let the athletes get high already.
We're guessing the Diaz brothers would agree ...