NFL - NFLPA Need to Study For HgH Test

When the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NFL and it’s Players Union was ratified last August, officially ending a 4-1/12 Month Lockout, both sides were in accord for the testing of Human Growth Hormone (HgH) in the players.
The first snag that developed after, was whether an effective test could be done. The NFLPA said that the Players would subject to a Urine test, but that wasn’t good enough. The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA), which oversees the testing of Olympic Athletes claimed the only effective test administered is a blood test. The NFLPA argued that it was too invasive, which made the players appear to be sissies. After another round of discussion, that barrier was knocked down and it was made part of the CBA.

Still, NFLPA Chief DeMaurice Smith keeps finding new ways to deter what the two sides have already agreed to do. In typical lawyer fashion, he has spoken out of both sides of his mouth, saying in one breath that the Players want testing and then contradicting himself by preventing the onset of the testing.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is adamant about this topic. Next to Player Safety, HgH testing is his biggest priority.
The latest compromise in the start of HgH testing was to conduct a population study at an independent laboratory. The Players Union argued that, since NFL players are larger, normal permissable limits of natural HgH may be higher in them. The NFL then agreed to the study and found a lab to conduct it.
It has been reported today, that the independent lab through which the testing would be done, withdrew from the project

According to The Washington Post,

A person familiar with the NFL's view on matter told the newspaper the league believes the NFLPA's "actions caused the scientist who had agreed to do the population study to withdraw." According to the anonymous source, the initial candidate concluded the study was "scientifically unnecessary" and believed the NFLPA's motivations were "more about politics than science." The source told the newspaper multiple scientists have turned down the role for the same reason.

If you take DeMaurice Smith’s statement from the same article, you can see the politics in action.

"We just recently found out ... the league's choice to run the population study that we had consented to recently withdrew and said that he wasn't the right person to get this done," Smith told The Post. "I'm thrilled that the league has made a decision to move forward with the population study. I'm a little frustrated that their selection has now pulled out so that we have to again re-up and try to get this done."

Is that a backhanded compliment or what? Mr. Smith, you lost all credibility long ago and really should be dis-barred.

Meanwhile, a new independent lab needs to be found and Smith’s lawyer stalling tactics will prevent "natural growth" of the National Football League.

Go Broncos!

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