Texans' linebacker Brian Cushing is being stripped of the Defensive Rookie of the Year honors he was awarded last season because he failed a test for steroids last September. He is also losing any credibility he has as an NFL player.
The issue is the double-edged sword that is known as the NFL steroid policy. Per the collective bargaining agreement, the results of the testing are confidential. Though hardcore performance enhancing drugs like anabolic steroids are the main focus of this policy, the NFL has a list of banned over the counter substances that fall under the policy also. It is equivalent to grouping together the crime of selling fifty pounds of meth with the crime of public drunkenness and giving them the same legal name and punishment.
The players who use steroids and get caught can always claim that it was simply an over the counter supplement. The players who are careless enough to buy the wrong bottle from GNC are automatically given the "steroid abuser" label.
I happen to be one of the people that automatically assumes it was steroids. The NFL is a competitive league and some players are looking to gain an edge. And if I can find out if an over the counter supplement is allowed under the policy, then any NFL player with an Internet connection and a telephone can too. Here is an excerpt from the policy at nflplayers.com:
"Players are responsible for what is in their bodies, and a positive test result will not be excused because a player was unaware that he was taking a Prohibited Substance. If you have questions or concerns about a particular dietary supplement or other product, you should contact Dr. John Lombardo at (614) 442-0106. As the Independent Administrator, Dr. Lombardo is authorized to respond to players’ questions regarding specific supplements. You may also contact the NFL/NFLPA Supplement Hotline at (866) NFL-SUPP or NFLSupp@DrugFreeSport.com. Having your Club's medical or training staff approve a supplement will not excuse a positive test result."
If players want to shed the "cheater" reputation that comes with a steroid policy violation, then the NFL and the Players' Association need to create separate policies or allow the players to consent to release the test results. If the player truly did drink a sports drink laced with a banned stimulant and releases the test results, then we will know. If the player doesn't consent to release the test, then we will also know. The players and the fans deserve better.
Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
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