NFL Players union appeals penalties for ephedra
Union chief Gene Upshaw said players might use the substance inadvertently.
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
NEW YORK -- A four-game suspension and thousands of dollars in lost salary are too harsh a penalty for gulping a sports drink or popping an over-the-counter cold pill, according to the NFL Players Association.
After at least two players tested positive this season for banned substances -- believed to be ephedra -- found in supplements, union chief Gene Upshaw said Wednesday that he has begun discussions with the league to review its disciplinary policies for ephedra use.
"Our intent is not to take ephedra off the banned list," Upshaw said. "But we believe the penalties are too high for a product that players might take inadvertently."
The union is trying to find a supplier to provide its players with dietary supplements that are unadulterated and contain the dosages and ingredients listed on the labels.
"We are looking for a supplier whose products are tested and certified so players will know what is on the label is actually in the product," said Upshaw. "Since the government won't regulate dietary supplements, we'll have to do it ourselves."
Appeals
Upshaw said he has already talked to NFL vice president for player relations Harold Henderson about the harshness of the penalty for testing positive, but league spokesman Greg Aiello said any changes to the league's steroid policy, which includes dietary supplements, won't be made until after the season.
Finding a manufacturer to provide supplements that don't contain banned ingredients became more pressing after Kansas City linebacker Lew Bush was suspended for four games two weeks ago for taking a banned substance his agent later identified as ephedra. Bush said he tested positive after consuming a sports drink that did not list ephedra on its label.
At least one other player -- Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers -- also tested positive for a banned substance found in a supplement and is appealing his suspension. And according to reports, the Oakland Raiders were disciplined by the NFL for providing banned supplements to players.