The NFL is taking steps to remain current in their battle against performance enhancing drug use, instituting blood tests for players during this training camp to establish a threshold that triggers a positive Human Growth Hormone test, according to reports.
NFL players will provide a blood sample as part of their training camp physicals, but the league made clear there will be no HGH suspensions this season, regardless of what the tests indicate.
"The blood sample from each player will immediately be sent to the laboratory for analysis only for the purpose of the HGH population study; no other use will be made of any blood sample," read a league e-mail to the players. "After the laboratory has processed all player blood samples, the scientists will perform the calculations and analysis necessary to determine the proper decision limit for NFL players."
Currently the NFL does not have any procedure in place for HGH testing, nor any set penalties for using that particular PED, although other instances of steroid use result in a four-game suspension for a first offense. The current NFL collective bargaining agreement allows for blood testing once the process has been approved by the players union. The NFLPA has said they are in favor of HGH testing but have concerns about the appeals process.
The union has said before any procedures can be set "several additional issues" need to be addressed, including "the issue od discipline." HGH is notoriously difficult to detect, a large part of its popularity among players of all sports across the spectrum. Benefits of HGH are believed to be increased speed, vision, and recovery from injury.
HGH is also believed to cause arthritis, diabetes and cardiac dysfunction; the NFL and NFLPA are currently ironing out the testing concerns so they can implement a program soon. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the latest talks regard "a full resolution of any remaining issues."
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