UPDATE: The NFL released a statement Friday evening claiming “unresolved issues” that may delay the approval of the new drug policy. According sources speaking with ESPN’s Christ Mortensen, the reinstatement of players ahead of this weekend’s games may be one of the biggest sources of disagreement.
Revised NFL drug policy approved by NFLPA representatives
The final hurdle to a new drug policy has been cleared, paving the way for potential suspension reductions.
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
NFLPA representatives gathered to approve an agreement with the NFL on a new, less-strict drug policy with sweeping changes to how the league tests for amphetamines and marijuana. The policy also includes the NFL’s first ever testing for human growth hormone.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, all 32 player reps approved the deal.
From here the league and union must finalize the terms of the policy, which includes a vote by all NFLPA members.
More on the NFL's drug policy
“This is an historic moment for our Players and our League,” NFLPA President Eric Winston said in a release. “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.”
The most immediate effect of the new policy is that any drug suspensions made since March 11, 2014 will be reviewed under the new guidelines. Wes Welker, suspended four games for Adderall usage, would be able to return to his team as early as this week, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Josh Gordon's suspension has been reduced to 10 games.
HGH testing
There will be immediate implementation of blood testing for Human Growth Hormone (HGH) for the first time in league history. Under the new policy, a third party will oversee the testing, removing commissioner Roger Goodell and the league from intervening in the process. The players will also be allowed to appeal the results and no blood can be collected on game days.
Higher marijuana threshold
The revised policy raises the threshold for a positive marijuana test from 15 ng/ml to 35 ng/ml, making it more consistent with standard workplace practices across the country. There had been complaints from players that, due to the higher potency of today’s marijuana, simple second-hand smoke was triggering positive tests.
Amphetamine testing
Positive tests for amphetamines during the offseason would now be considered a violation of the substance abuse policy. Under the old policy, they were classified as performance-enhancing drugs, and a positive test resulted in an automatic four-game suspension.
DUI suspensions
A two-game suspension will be levied on any player following a conviction or plea agreement for DUI violations. The league will have to wait for the legal process to play out -- their proposal to issue discipline upon arrest was rejected by the players.
Independent arbitration/investigation
The new policy also dictates that an independent arbitrator will hear appeals for substance abuse cases and PED cases. The players union and the league will both be involved in selecting and paying for a group of 3-5 arbitrators. Independent investigators will also be retained to review cases of breached confidentiality. Anybody employed by the league, union or teams, or the players themselves, can be terminated or fined up to $500,000 for violating the confidentiality provision.
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