The NFL will be the first professional sports league in the US to conduct HGH testing of its athletes following the ratification of the CBA by the players of the National Football League.
The CBA language is as follows: “The parties confirm that the Program on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances will include both annual blood testing and random blood testing for human growth hormone, with discipline for positive tests at the same level as for steroids.
The details of the testing and the process to do so are still being worked out between the NFL and the NFLPA. The NFLPA will have approval over the specific testing process and how and when the testing will be conducted. The goal is to have the method worked out in time for HGH testing by week 1 of the regular season, although that is not guaranteed.
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis said, “We have to see if we agree with the test. If we agree with the test, then it’s legit. If not, they have to come up with another one.”
Tennessee Titans union representative Jake Scott said he is skeptical of the accuracy of the testing because he believes there is only one company that can accurately test for HGH. While he agrees with the testing in principle, he said that the testing company’s “motives are questionable. Their incentive is to catch people. If they don’t catch anybody, nobody thinks their test works.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith will sign the new CBA in front of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Friday morning.
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