NFLPA's Smith On Why MLB Achieved HGH Testing Deal First

NFLPA Exec Dir DeMaurice Smith sent a letter to all current NFLPA player reps and Exec Board members Friday informing them that MLB and the MLBPA reached a collectively bargained agreement on HGH testing under conditions the NFL would not agree to with the NFLPA. “If the NFL had adopted the same positions that Major League Baseball has, the NFL could have been the first to implement HGH testing,” Smith wrote. Those positions, Smith wrote, include: “1) MLB’s Commissioner’s Office must establish the accuracy and reliability of each allegedly positive test; 2) Players may present any evidence to challenge the accuracy, reliability, and thus the underlying scientific support for the test; and 3) all appeals are decided by neutral arbitrators.”

Smith said in the letter, which was also distributed to NFLPA-certified agents, that the NFL has resisted allowing the players to challenge the science underlying the HGH test in their proposal and that the board of player reps has insisted on a transparent system and fair process. Smith concluded his letter by writing, “As you know, this remains your decision. If you have any questions or any desire to change your vote please let us know immediately. Thank you for your leadership.”