NFL, NFLPA improve drug testing January 24, 2007 By SportsTicker http://www.kffl.com/article.php/64021/115 NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The NFL and Players Association have decided to beef up drug testing. The sides jointly announced Wednesday a series of improvements to their policy and program on anabolic steroids and related substances. Modifications for the program include a 40 percent increase in the number of players randomly tested each week during the preseason, regular season and postseason from seven to 10 per team. Last year, the number of random offseason tests was increased from a maximum of two per player to six. The changes, which start in training camp in 2007, bring the total number of steroid tests conducted up from 10,000 to 12,000. The agreement adds to the financial penalties for players suspended for using those drugs. Players suspended for using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs will forfeit a prorated portion of their signing bonuses There was to change to the policy in which a player receives a four-game suspension for a first positive test. "It is important that the NFL and its players continue to be leaders on the issue of illegal and dangerous performance enhancing drugs in sports," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. "These latest improvements will help ensure that we continue to have a strong and effective program. As we have done in the past, we will review and modify the policy on an ongoing basis." Other changes include the league adding the blood-boosting substance EPO to the league's list of banned substances. EPO, which provides users more stamina by increasing their number of red blood cells, is used primarily by long-distance runners and cyclists. The program also includes additional use of carbon isotope ratio testing on a random basis to detect for doses of testosterone. All players now will be subject to those tests, previously used only to confirm positive tests. Looks like they are getting tougher on this. About time IMO.
Yeah, I see this as a good thing as well. It's good to see they will have to forfeit part of their signing bonuses as well...
Yes! But what if they use caffeine! That is performance enhancing too! Creatine! Protein Shakes! Ban them all! Make them eat only bread and water and don't let them lift weights either! That enhances performance too!
