Steroid Abuse in the National Football League

Steroid abuse in the NFL is something, like almost every other sport, that the NFL has to deal with on a regular basis. Steroid use in the National Football League is not some new occurrence; it has been going on for years. Players buying steroids dates back to the 1960’s in such instances as Denver Broncos defensive lineman Lyle Alzado stating he used the drug. However, steroid use has become more popular in recent years. This may be attributed to the ease of access to the obtaining steroids online. A few other noteworthy dates concerning steroid use in the NFL are listed below.

• In 1987 the NFL also adopted their steroid policy.

• During the 1987 season the NFL started to test players for steroid use.

• During the 1989 season the NFL starting handing out suspensions to players that were caught using the drug.

As in any other sport the steroid policy is praised by some and hated by others. However, despite the credicts of the NFL’s policy it is probably one of the stronger steroid policies in the professional sports realm. It is pretty strict when compated to that of other sports.

 All NFL players must be tested many times year-around. Several players have found to be guilty of using the drug since the NFL started doing year around random screenings for banned substances.

Originally there were specific guidelines for when a player was caught using performance enhancing drugs. For example, if a player was caught using during the off-season they were suspended for 30 days for a first time offense. This would basically mean missing 4 games – 3 preseason and 1 regular season game. For a second offense the player was suspended for one year, and the punishment for a third offense was never stated because it never happened. In preceding years, many players started ignoring the policy so Gene Upshaw, the NFLPA director sent out a letter that basically stated players that took banned substances would be suspended for 4-games without pay, and he advised the players not to take any supplements at all.