The NFL Begins HGH Testing

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The NFL is set to begin its new Human Growth Hormone (HGH) testing policy today. HGH, a performance enhancing substance when levels become too high in the body, has become an increasing concern to the NFL, teams, and players because of perceived advantage those players with HGH have over others. The NFL and the players union agreed on this new testing policy in September, which will test 5 players from 8 different teams each week.

Players who are tested and found to be positive for HGH will face harsh punishments from the league, which states a first failed test is up to a six game suspension without pay. The new testing policy also includes a neutral arbitration for those who have a positive test.

The new NFL testing policy will be the stiffest of its kinda according to Mike Florio of NBC Sports (NBCSports.com)

the NFL will embark on an effort that will result in more than 1,300 samples being analyzed per year.

That is a much higher number than that of the comparative MLB, which tests roughly 400 samples per year.

A majority (950) of the testings will be done in the preseason, regular season, and postseason combined. The remaining 385 samplings will be done in the off season. Less than one tablespoon of blood will drawn for each sample. Each sample will be take from an experienced and trained professional.

While overall the policy has been praised by the media and the NFL for its increased number of tests compared to Major League Baseball, there are some who are skeptical about the testing and policy. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, there is some amount of HGH in the bodies of all players, so the test according to him can be unreliable. Each player’s body has a different amount and a baseline test may be a good idea for the NFL to think about.

The NFL is looking to give some positive light to its brand in the wake of the domestic violence issues it has had in the past months. With this new testing policy the NFL is taking a stance on the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs. With all of the steroid use in MLB it seems to me that the NFL is trying to make sure that its league doesn't take the image hit that the MLB did after the Mark McGuire and Barry Bonds steroid era.