Report: NFL Considers Having World Anti-Doping Agency Handle PED Testing
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- The NFL is considering having the World Anti-Doping Agency oversee testing of players for performance-enhancing drugs if a federal appeals court forces the league to end the lockout, according to the New York Times.
"Without an agreement in place, and with the decertified union unable to negotiate on behalf of players, the N.F.L. would be able to unilaterally impose a drug-testing program and penalties," the Times reported. "But the N.F.L. contends that without a union to provide checks and balances, a third party overseeing the program may be necessary for credibility and transparency. "
The paper cited an unidentified NFL official briefed on its planning.
"Our thought has been we have always been looking to make our program as effective as it can be," said the official."There have been some things, H.G.H. is one of them, that the union has resisted. ... When we get to the point where there is not a party involved, maybe we should consider what we consider important to keep pace with science and trends."
The newspaper reports bringing in WADA could eventually lead to players being blood tested for human growth hormone for the first time.
The NFL and players are locked in a labor battle that has gone to the courts. The owners are currently locking out the players, who have dissolved their union and sued the owners in federal court.
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