NFL Ready for HGH Testing; NFLPA Not

The NFL, as reported on their website, has notified the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) that they are ready to collect blood for Human Growth Hormone (HGH) testing as soon as Monday, according to a league source.

Through a statement released Wednesday though, the NFLPA announced the feeling is not mutual, “We informed the NFL yesterday that absent a collective agreement on several critical issues, blood collection is not ready to be implemented on Monday. We have advised the players.”

The latest collective bargaining agreement includes a provision to begin testing players for HGH but is contingent on the union agreeing to the testing methods.

Last week the two sides met with congressmen in an effort to finalize an agreement regarding the testing. The congressmen stipulated that if no blood samples were taken within two weeks, they would have to meet again.

Additionally, two days before their meetings with Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) the NFL and the NFLPA received a signed letter (dated October 3rd) from nearly two dozen scientists stating the current test for human growth hormone is safe, scientifically reliable and appropriate for use in professional sports leagues.

If the testing is finalized, the NFL would be the first U.S. pro sport that tests for HGH.