I recently did some research on NFL’s performance enhancing drug policy, or PEDs, and what I discovered was more than a little eyebrow-raising. As a passionate fan of the NFL, it felt like a big punch to the gut. I mean, I watch these teams every Sunday, and I had my suspicions, but it seemed like each new breaking story only proved my suspicions correct.
The details of the policy are fairly simple. The first thing they look for is any substance that can act as a performance enhancer, be it synthetic or natural. Anything classified as an anabolic steroid, which is naturally occurring hormone that directs the body to build muscle, is strictly against policy. Additionally, the National Football League discourages the use of nonmedically indicated growth hormone and substances related to hormone production like erythropoietin.
To say I was astonished to learn that all of this was going on in the NFL, would be an understatement. Players have been caught using all kinds of different substances to gain an edge, and when I think about the number of championships and Super Bowls that could have been won, legitimately, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Making matters worse, some of the athletes I looked up to most did not live up to the expectations I had for them.
Going forward, the NFL is making changes to further discourage PED usage, and a combination of much stiffer fines, better testing processes, and more comprehensive education programs will be implemented in the near future. From someone who loves the game, I can’t help but feel relieved that steps are being taken in the right direction – steps that promote the ethics of the game and cleans up the sport as a whole.
Even though there have been several high-profile cases, it’s important to note that most athletes take pride in playing professionally and understand the importance of following the rules. The overwhelming majority of NFL players always conduct themselves professionally, and they are approaches they take in preparation for each match-up that show they are serious about performance enhancement through natural means.
I don’t care if you’re a die-hard fan of the league, it’s infuriating to think about how athletes could be using substances to give them an edge. I’m sure that I speak for every football fan when I say that the NFL needs to stay on top of this PED issue, which is why these new rules should give us some peace of mind.
It’s also noteworthy that, in the interest of protecting players from harm, the NFL severely punishes any substance found in a supplement or medication that a player buys over-the-counter which the league deems as a performance enhancer. Not only that, but the players have to provide detailed information on all medications and supplements they’re consuming as well.
The NFL is doing everything they can to make sure that all athletes are competing on a level playing field. Sure, it sadly doesn’t remove the reality that some players have crossed the line, but the steps the NFL is taking to clean up its image and enforce its strictest ever PED policy ultimately further emphasizes the importance of playing fairly.
I think that the NFL is heading in the right direction when it comes to its PED policy. Sure, it may take some time for the harsher measures to truly make a difference in the league, but at least the league is taking steps to clean up the sport – steps that will ultimately protect the integrity of the game, and preserving the legacy that the NFL deserves.