The NFL and NFLPA continue talks in an effort to complete terms for a new CBA. Some of the key issues throughout the process have included player conduct policy and disciplinary process, and drug testing for human growth hormone.
The players’ concerns include how HGH testing would be implemented as part of the drug testing program, who would oversee it, and what would be a fair appeals process. Currently no U.S. professional sports league tests its players for HGH.
HGH typically requires blood testing, whereas the other substances that violate the league’s drug policy are detected by urine testing.
Players have come out in favor of the desire for a drug-free sport, and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith has taken a position against the use of performance-enhancing drugs, saying they have no place in the NFL.
Former Pro Bowler and NFLPA Executive Committee member Sean Morey said today, “Players are committed to upholding the integrity, fairness and health and safety of our game to the highest possible standards. At the same time, we care about the fairness of any testing program, the reliability of it and the safety and security of the procedure.”
Steelers’ safety Ryan Clark was cautious in his outlook on the CBA negotiations when speaking with AP on Wednesday. “De Smith is still working,” Clark said of the NFLPA executive director, “and we’re trying to get this figured out. But it’s not an absolute that guys will be at practice tomorrow.”
Clark went on to say that “A big issue, for us, especially, as a team, is Roger Goodell … being judge, jury and appeals system.”
Goodell’s view is diametrically opposed to Clark’s position. When asked if he’d be willing to permit an external body to review his decisions, Goodell said, “The answer to that is no, I’m not going to be open to that. I’m not going to hand off the brand and the reputation of the NFL to somebody who is not associated with the NFL.” His comments were reported by CarolinaGrowl.com.
Goodell then explained that this is his view and not necessarily in line with the teams that he works for, “Mr. Richardson [Carolina Panther’s owner] doesn’t like this because he’s my boss, one of 32, but I have disciplinary power over them and have had the unfortunate experience of fining him too, by the way.”
The sides met Wednesday night until the early hours of Thursday morning, and reconvened again Thursday after a few hours break to try and resolve the remaining issues.
Once the two sides are in agreement, the new CBA will need to be ratified by a vote of the players. The new league year is schedule to start at 4:01pm today, but that would be unlikely if there is no CBA in place.
Free Agents who signed new contracts last week will not be allowed to practice with their teams until the new CBA is approved.
