NFL to get Congress help in HGH implementation this season – NFL News
National Football League (NFL) office has decided to seek help from the US Congress in early implementation of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in the league, most likely from this football season.
HGH is yet to be introduced in the NFL despite an agreement between the NFL and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) reached in July this year (2011).
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly said that his office wanted an early implementation of HGH programme and expected it would possibly be introduced before end of current NFL regular season.
He pointed out that the delay in introduction of the testing was on part of NFLPA as the players union continues to insist for collection of fresh players’ data. Now the league has decided to lobby the US congress to get HGH implemented
as earlier as possible.
The latest reports confirmed that the league was recruiting Republican House members to sign a letter to put pressure on the NFLPA to help implementation of HGH. All the house members asked to sign the letter are physicians.
NFL lobbyist has reportedly asked congressional staff to pursue their bosses to sign the letter to NFL and NFLPA for introduction of testing this season.
"Given our unique perspective as doctors-turned-lawmakers, we believe that preventing HGH's illegal possession and use -- particularly among young people -- is an important public health policy goal," according to the letter, which
is reported to have been drafted by Georgia Rep. Phil Gingrey and others.
The NFPLA has come under criticism from NFL and World Anti-doping agency chiefs for resisting implementation of HGH this season. NFPLA has insisted for collection of more data while also showing its reservations on testing methods.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told the American news agency Associated Press (AP) that Congress members have appreciated NFL office for proposing a programme to check use of performance-enhancing drugs.
"We have been asked by members of Congress why that testing has not started this season, as the CBA stated it would," Aiello said.
There were no immediate comments from NFPLA office about the NFL move to add political pressure to get HGH programme implemented starting from this season.
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