Eagles OT Lane Johnson, who is expected to receive a 10-game suspension for a second violation of the NFL's PED policy, said that he "purchased basic amino acids online, checked the ingredients with a smartphone application offered by the NFL Players' Association, and believed it was an approved supplement," according to Zach Berman of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. His ire is "directed at the NFLPA." Johnson: "Every supplement I've taken has been approved by the Aegis Shield app, which the NFLPA gives us. Having said that, I've talked to the NFLPA. They do not test the products, so there's no backing from them." He added, "I want that to be clear: The NFLPA does not stand up for players. They don't check the supplements. They give us an app. And when you call them and ask them if you test positive for something they approve, it doesn't matter." The NFLPA in a statement said that it "always stands up for its players and that Johnson's comments are 'factually inaccurate.'" The union said that it "does not approve any supplements or substances." It also said that even though the Aegis app "might offer a green check for a supplement, players are 'constantly reminded' that the supplement provider may not list certain ingredients." That message is "conveyed in every team meeting about the app." They also said that Johnson "could have used their services to find out what was in the supplement." The union said in the statement, "For several years, the NFLPA has provided a free service to every NFL player who wishes to have us test a supplement they send to us and this service was offered to Lane." Johnson said he did "everything on my part." But he also said, "If you test positive, it's your own fault" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 8/14). Johnson: "The first time, I knew I was at fault. ... I learned my lesson." He added, "I feel like the players have no rights. I feel, the supplement industry is not regulated, so you do not know what's in it" (PHILLY.com, 8/13).
