NFL Players' Union Refuses Drug Testing
The NFL would like to begin testing their players’ blood for human growth hormone, but the players' union is not willing to adhere to the policy.
According to NFL.com, the league wanted to begin drawing blood Monday, although they were not yet planning to test for HGH. The new collective bargaining agreement drafted in July stated that the blood test for HGH would be administered to players upon the union’s agreement with methods used to do so.
In a statement to the league, the union said they would not adhere to these rules without a contract.
“We informed the NFL yesterday that absent a collective agreement on several critical issues, blood collection is not ready to be implemented on Monday,” a statement from the union read. “We have advised the players.”
Greg Aiello, NFL spokesman, admitted that they were not happy with the union’s response.
“We are disappointed in the union's response," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "It is contrary to the terms of the CBA and the agreements reached last Friday with the chairman and ranking member of the House Government Reform Committee.”
The NFL Player’s Association reportedly requested a population study to be conducted on players with varied natural HGH levels, according to NFL.com. Aiello spoke about California Representative Darrell Issa and Maryland Representative Elijah Cummings suggesting ways to incorporate the testing adequately.
"We are ready to begin educating players on the testing program and collecting samples. This approach was put forward by Congressmen Issa and Cummings," Aiello said, according to NFL networks. "It is well-reasoned and balances the need to ensure immediate deterrence with the union's desire for further review and education.”
According to Aiello, the union has no reason to refuse the testing next Monday.
“We know of no reason why these initial steps should not begin next week, and none has been identified by the union," Aiello said according to NFL.com.
