An agreement between the NBA and NBPA regarding testing for HGH "remains unresolved" with training camps set to open in just a few days, according to Ken Berger of CBSSPORTS.com. Officials from the league and the union "met earlier this month in New York to continue discussions on the matter." However, a source said, "Nothing is anywhere near being agreed to." Berger reported negotiations are "ongoing, but the gap may be too wide to close in time for a policy to be in place in time for the start of the regular season." The lack of a deal is "hardly surprising, considering that the NFL has yet to move forward with an HGH testing plan." The NBA and the union as part of the '11 CBA appointed an expert panel "to study the issue of HGH testing and report its findings." A source said that the panel's "work is continuing." Other sources said that issues holding up an agreement include the "proper establishment of baseline levels, the reliability of blood screening for HGH and disciplinary procedures." Berger notes the issue of biological passports "has taken a back seat in the NBA's talks over expanding its anti-drug agreement." Sources said that the biological passport "has yet to emerge as a significant aspect of the negotiations" (CBSSPORTS.com, 9/23).
