NFL reminds players about drug-testing program
NFL players have been warned the league’s drug-testing program is still in effect despite commissioner Roger Goodell’s ruling to delay suspending several players who tested positive for a banned substance.
In a joint memo issued in the past two weeks by Goodell and NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith, players were reminded in bold print that they will continue to be tested as in the past and “a positive test will generally result in a suspension.”
The memo was obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday. It was issued after a federal appeals court blocked the league from suspending Minnesota Vikings defensive linemen Pat Williams and Kevin Williams for four games each after they tested positive for a banned substance contained in the weight-loss supplement StarCaps.
The court ruling led to the NFL’s decision to allow New Orleans defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith, who had also been issued four-game suspensions, to continue playing. Both Saints players tested positive after using StarCaps.
The memo specifically notes that “weight-loss supplements such as StarCaps are particularly risky,” and adds, “you should not take them.” Players are also reminded that they are responsible for what they consume, and that they should refer questions to Dr. John Lombardo, who oversees the NFL’s steroids policy.
Both Williamses, who are not related, have acknowledged taking StarCaps, an over-the-counter supplement. It contains the diuretic bumetanide, which is banned by the NFL because it can mask the presence of steroids.
The Williamses sued the NFL in Minnesota state court, asking a judge to block the suspensions. They argued the NFL’s testing violated Minnesota workplace laws.
Attorneys for the NFL argue it should be allowed to enforce its anti-doping policy because it was a product of the league’s collective bargaining agreement with the union and governed by federal labor law.
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