Getty ImagesWhen the NFL and the NFLPA finally worked out the terms of a new labor deal, it widely was reported that the new labor deal would include testing for HGH. Earlier this month, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello reacted strongly to an article in the New York Times that characterized the new CBA as permitting only annual testing for HGH.
The NFLPA had remained silent on the subject, until now. NFLPA spokesman George Atallah tells the Times that there might be no HGH testing, at all.
“The truth is that we have not agreed to any of the terms and everything the league has said is what it hopes for,” Atallah said. “All of those things they are talking about are still open to discussion.”
The new CBA contains the following provision regarding HGH testing: “The parties confirm that the Program on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances will include both annual blood testing and random blood testing for human growth hormone, with discipline for positive tests at the same level as for steroids.” Atallah describes this language as an agreement in principle only, and that if an agreement as to the specifics of the testing program and policy can’t be reached, the 2010 version of the policy will remain in effect, with no testing for HGH.
The league disagrees. In an e-mail to the Times, Aiello writes, “Clearly from this language, both parties have committed to a program that includes blood testing for H.G.H.” (I’d be shocked if Aiello repeated the Times‘ annoying habit of always putting periods after things like “N.F.L.,” which would mean that the Times edited his quote to conform to its goofy convention. Then again, Aiello has an even better sense of humor than I think he has.)
Aiello’s interpretation seems to be correct. Though the specific still need to be determined, the parties have agreed that there will be “annual blood testing and random blood testing for human growth hormone.” The only question is when and under what circumstances testing will occur.
It means that there may not be game-day testing. And there may be other limits on the number of tests. But it doesn’t mean that there won’t be HGH testing.
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The Union knows if the players don’t get their medicine than the NFL product will slowly die. No more hard hits, no more tantrums.
Merriman and Mathews are the happiest players in the NFL
Oh and Cushing like
Music to Owen Schmitt’s ears.
It does not matter what the players take anymore. All the rule changes are making nearly impossible to make aggressive plays on defense without getting fined and 8 flags thrown at one time. Defensive players might as well stop lifting weights all together. no need to juice when you are not allowed to hit.
if you listen closely that pop you hear is cushing, mathews, and merriman masturbating so furiously they broke the sound barrier.
This is probably best for the game we love.
NFL needs to test Tim Tebow.I believe that” Blessing Boy” is HGH Boy.
“F YEAH!!!!” – Shawne Merriman, Clay Matthews, Bill Romanowski, Hulk Hogan, ect.
whoops, *etc* haha
Becomes obvious the NFLPL knows the ugly truth would come out with the test.
I agree with …melikefootball.
Totally.
We dont need cheaters.
That’s not editing a comment. It’s called conforming to style.
Ironic for someone to complain about style conformity while censoring thoughts.
Dude, Josh Freemen is bigger than Clay Matthews…. Clay does MMA training, dude learns alot of technique, lot of his sacks he catches linemen off balance, he usually doesn’t out muscle linemen at all.
Another dude is J.J. Watt and Damarcus Ware, not the biggest, but plays good technique. idk where all this roid talk is coming from.
This is stupid! The nfl has profited so much from the use of steroids & hgh. Nobody of any importance ever test positive. Only players the nfl can do without. That’s how it will continue.
@axespray …
I won’t speculate on who takes what, but you’re right about Clay’s technique. Very smart player. Really impressive in the Super Bowl.
Good! We don’t want Peyton Hillis to miss any time.
Merry Christmas Clay Matthews!
Every QB facing Merriman this season just doubled their insurance policies.
I think if its your job 365 days a year to be a pro football player, your probably gonna look and or be Jacked. comes with the sport, depending on position of course.
Janikowski looks the part of a kicker.
Anyone posting about Merriman et al being happy about this realize that HGH is NOT a steroid and that it doesn’t “pump guys up”, it allows them to heal quicker???
Merriman was busted for steroids. There’s no change to that testing AFAIK.
iflounder says:
Aug 19, 2011 8:36 PM
if you listen closely that pop you hear is cushing, mathews, and merriman masturbating so furiously they broke the sound barrier.
————
Best quote so far this season! LMFAO
What’s wrong with “H.G.H.” as opposed to “HGH”? The abbreviation form (such as “H.G.H.”) predates classical Greek and Roman while the widespread use of initialisms (“HGH” “FBI”) is a relatively recent trend.
Good.
HGH testing is an overrated witch hunt for nothing of consequence.