NFL players approve new drug policy
The NFL Players Association on Friday approved a new drug policy. Among the revisions are changes that include the implementation of testing for human growth hormone and an alteration of the marijuana policy.
“This is an historic moment for our players and our league,” said NFLPA President Eric Winston. “We have collectively bargained drug policies that will keep the game clean and safe, but also provide our players with an unprecedented level of fairness and transparency. Players should be proud of their union for standing up for what was best for the game.”
Suspended players including Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon and Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker are expected to see their suspensions reduced or halted when the new regulations are implemented.
Multiple reports said Gordon’s year-long suspension will be reduced to 10 games.
Welker is expected to be activated and be available to play when the Broncos play the Chiefs on Sunday.
ESPN.com reported that the drug policy changes include raised standards for a positive marijuana test, a revised system for dealing with players who test positive for marijuana for the first time, neutral arbitration on all drug-policy appeals, plus positive offseason amphetamine tests being treated under rules governing “drugs of abuse” rather than those regarding performance-enhancing drugs, which is the case in-season.
In addition, the NFLPA would accept blood testing for HGH, though it still could challenge the validity of a test on appeal.
Ferry takes leave of absence from Hawks
Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry has taken a leave of absence following reports he made racial comments in a conference call with team owners. The comments were made in reference to veteran forward Luol Deng.
Hawks CEO Steve Koonin released a statement Friday saying Ferry requested the leave of absence and it had been accepted by the team.
Ferry contended that he was reading from a scouting report on Deng and the words were not his own.
In June, Ferry said during a conference call with Hawks co-owners about Deng that “he has a little African in him. Not in a bad way, but he’s like a guy who would have a nice store out front but sell you counterfeit stuff out the back. … For example, he can come out and be an unnamed source for a story and two days later come out and say, ‘That absolutely was not me. I can’t believe someone said that.’ But talking to reporters, you know they can (believe it).”
Ferry apologized for his action in a statement issued Friday. Deng signed with the Miami Heat.