HGH testing is set to begin in the NFL
I’m sure there are quite a few playmakers in the NFL shaking in their cleats.
After a meeting between two congressmen and representatives of the NFL, the parties determined that Human Growth Hormone testing could begin as soon as next week.
According to an NFL.com report:
Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, told reporters Friday that the sides agreed to begin testing “immediately.” He added that what to do with the test results will be dealt with in the coming weeks.
Issa, and the top Democrat, Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, attended Friday’s meeting, along with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and Travis Tygart, who heads the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. Other representatives from the league, the union and the agency also were present.
“Congressmen Issa + Cummings announce NFL-NFLPA to begin HGH testing ASAP…should start as early next week,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tweeted Friday.
NFL Network’s Albert Breer reported the players union agreed to conditional testing, which can begin 7-10 days after it signs off in full context. NFLPA spokesman George Atallah said testing will begin after a fair and safe system is in place, adding players will do that “as fast as possible.”
According to Breer, congressman Issa and Cummings told the league and union that they must reach an agreement now or they will be called in front of the committee in two weeks.
The NFL and the union agreed in the latest collective bargaining agreement to begin testing players for HGH. That agreement was contingent on the union’s agreeing to the testing methods, but the union was asking for more scientific data to prove the test is reliable.
The union has questioned the safety and reliability of the test. But nearly two dozen scientists and lab directors from around the world signed a letter sent to the union and league stating the current test is safe, scientifically reliable and appropriate for use in professional sports leagues.
The report added that athletes may choose HGH for a variety of reason, some of which include improved vision and increased speed.
It will definitely be interesting when the first tests are completed and the results are released. While no set punishment has been established as of yet, what do you think is a proper punishment for the first offense of a player caught using HGH? Comment below!
Miranda Remaklus is senior reporter for Aerys Offsides. Follow her on Twitter, @missmiranda.
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