The NFL and the NFLPA were seemingly on the verge of finalizing an agreement Friday evening on a new league drug policy after players representatives from all 32 teams unanimously approved a revised policy. However, the league released statement claiming there are “unresolved issues” to fix before the policy can be approved. According to sources speaking with ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, chief among the issues may be revisiting suspensions that have already been handed out:
NFL claims ‘unresolved issues,’ no agreement yet on new drug policy
The NFL was seemingly on the verge of approving a new drug policy. Then negotiations reportedly hit yet another snag, this time potentially centered on players who could be reinstated for this weekend’s games.
The league statement was issued by @gregaiello ... other sources confirm immediate player reinstatement for Sunday/Monday game is an issue.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 13, 2014 Several players could become eligible for Week 2 if the policy is approved in time. Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick -- both currently suspended four games for amphetamines -- were set to be reinstated ahead of Sunday kickoffs, according to multiple reports.
Testing positive for amphetamines under the new policy would be classified as a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, which doesn’t carry a suspension upon first violation, as opposed to a violation of the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs, which carries a four-game suspension.
Under the new policy, as it stands, any drug suspensions made since March 11, 2014 would be reviewed under new guidelines. More than 20 players could be subject to reduced suspensions if/when the new policy is approved.
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