'Rash' of Positive Steroid Tests Reported
A Denver television station reports that there have been a "rash" of positive tests by NFL players under the league's policy against steroids and banned performance-enhancing substances, attributable to players using water pills to lose weight.
KDVR-TV, citing an NFL source, reports that six to 10 players have tested positive, including tailback Deuce McAllister and defensive end Will Smith of the New Orleans Saints. One to two more Saints players also tested positive, according to the report.
Most of the players, including McAllister and Smith, tested positive for Bumetanide, described as a drug used to treat fluid retention, according to the report. The diuretic reportedly also can be used as a steroid-masking agent and is on the NFL's list of banned substances.
Bumetanide belongs to a group of medicines called loop diuretics, or water pills.
The players are subject to suspensions pending appeals, according to the report.
Under the NFL's policy, a player's first positive test results in a four-game suspension without pay.
UPDATE (2:10 p.m.)...
Sources familiar with the case have confirmed the report, although it appears that the number of players is higher and could be 10 to 15 or more.
It appears that players with weight clauses in their contracts might have increased their usage in advance of weigh-ins. The players apparently were unaware, at least in many of the cases, that the weight-loss drug they were using was on the league's banned list. It also appears possible that there could be negotiations between the league and the players' representatives about potential punishments that don't involve suspensions.
Attorney David Cornwell, who frequently represents NFL players in drug-testing cases, said in a telephone interview that he'd been "retained to represent a number of players" involved in this case. He declined to comment on the specifics but expressed dismay that the details of the cases had been reported publicly.
"One of the cornerstones of an effective testing program, especially in sports, is confidentiality," Cornwell said. "These men are entitled to exhaust the appeals process without the impact of public scrutiny. I'm disappointed their confidentiality has been violated."
UPDATE (6:50 p.m.)...
Cornwell has issued a written statement.
It says:
"The recent reports about pending appeals by players who are alleged to have used weight loss supplements reflect the most egregious violation of the NFL steroid policy. The foundation of the policy is both a player's right to appeal and an absolute right to confidentiality. By leaking this story, the 'source' is clearly attempting to put their thumb on the scale [of] justice and harm these men."
By
Mark Maske
|
October 24, 2008; 12:52 PM ET
| Category:
League
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Saints
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Steroids
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Posted by: ozzie | October 24, 2008 3:52 PM
idiots. why can't players get it. don't cheat.
Posted by: wow | October 24, 2008 1:22 PM
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Wait, so water pills are illegal or is there something else in there too? Duece on the juice?? Dr. Suess is rolling in his grave.