NFLPA approves new drug policy; includes HGH testing

E_D_Guapo

Brand New Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
3,158
NFLPA approves new drug policy; includes HGH testing

By Gregg Rosenthal
Around The NFL Editor
Published: Sept. 12, 2014 at 07:15 p.m.
Updated: Sept. 12, 2014 at 08:01 p.m.

The NFL Players Association has approved the league's drug policy proposal after a vote by player reps, the union announced Friday.

The new policy will institute human growth hormone testing for the first time and offers sweeping changes to the league's drug policy.

The threshold for positive marijuana tests was raised and offseason amphetamine-positive tests will go from the performance enhancing drug policy to the substances of abuse policy. That means players that failed tests for amphetamines this offseason like Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker will have their suspensions immediately lifted and be eligible to play this weekend, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Media's Albert Breer.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick, Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones, and Miami Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan also will have suspensions lifted.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon will have his yearlong suspension for marijuana use reduced to ten games. No special exception has been made for Gordon. Under the new rules, 10 games is the standard ban for a fourth violation of the NFL's policy on substances of abuse.

"This is an historic moment for our Players and our League," said NFLPA President Eric Winston said in a statement. "We have collectively bargained drug policies that will keep the game clean and safe, but also provide our players with an unprecedented level of fairness and transparency. Players should be proud of their union for standing up for what was best for the game."

Some of the key elements to the new agreement, from the NFLPA:

» HGH Testing will start in the 2014 season. The collection of blood specimens is prohibited on game days.

» The new threshold for a positive test for marijuana will increase to 35 ng/ml from the previous limit of 15 ng/ml. There will be additional steps for players who test positive for the substance before suspension.

» A two-game suspension will be issued upon conviction or plea agreement for driving under the influence.

» The NFL and NFLPA will have the right to retain independent investigators to review cases where player confidentiality as related to the drug policies has been breached. Employees found to violate confidentiality agreement will face fines up to $500,000 and/or termination or other discipline.

» An independent arbitrator will hear appeals for positive test violations of both Substances of Abuse and Performance Enhancing Drug Policies. The NFL and NFLPA will jointly select, approve and pay for retention of 3-5 arbitrators.

The latest "Around The NFL Podcast" recaps the Steelers-Ravens game and previews the other 15 games in Week 2.
 
Last edited:

Cotton

One-armed Knife Sharpener
Staff member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
119,705
Good news for our secondary, no doubt.
 
Top Bottom