Shortly after Dr. Anthony Galea was charged with illegally providing human growth hormone to NFL players, the league issued a statement saying the case shows the need to test for HGH.
“This is an ongoing federal investigation and we have not been informed of the identity of these players,” the league’s statement said. “We obviously have a very strong interest in learning who these players are and about their involvement with any prohibited substances so that we can enforce our policies. When we have had evidence of illegal purchase, possession, or use of HGH, we have imposed discipline and are fully prepared to do so again if the facts support it.”
The league’s statement went on to say that it wants to implement HGH testing.
“We have been in touch with law enforcement and will continue to cooperate with the federal authorities as the case moves forward,” the statement says. “This case highlights the need for enhanced testing and in our discussions about a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL Players Association, we have proposed expanding our current testing program to include growth hormone.”
The league has said it favors blood testing for HGH. The union’s stance is that while urine tests for performance-enhancing drugs are acceptable, blood tests are too invasive.