NFL HGH Testing

The other day Canadian doctor, Anthony Galea, was charged with smuggling human growth hormone (HGH), making false statements for federal officials, conspiracy and unlawfully distributing HGH within the U.S. His clients include Alex Rodriguez, Tiger Woods and unnamed NFL players.

NFL HGH Patients

The lawsuit by the federal government states that Dr. Galea gave three NFL players HGH. Sources close to the case state that he helped treat players with injuries and not to give them a competitive edge. The NFL released a statement saying, "This is an ongoing federal investigation and we have not been informed of the identity of these players." The statement continues to say, "When we have had evidence of illegal purchase, possession, or use of HGH, we have imposed discipline and are fully prepared to do so again if the facts support it."

HGH Testing

There is a test for HGH and the NFL would like to administer it along with the other drug screening; however, the player's union will not accept the terms of the test because it is a blood test. The union's stance is that because the test requires drawing blood that it is too invasive.

Brian Cushing and hCG

Brain Cushing was suspended a week ago for violating the NFL's steroid policy because of a positive test for human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Not a steroid in itself, there isn't many reasons why a male would use it.

HCG and Steroids

Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulated ovulation by influencing the last stages of ovum development. So why were Cushing take this hormone? HCG helps stimulates testosterone in men. This is done by atheletes because it usually takes some time for the human body to start normal productin of testosterone after a cycle of anabolic steroids. To bridge this gap, HCG is taken.

AP Defensive Rookie of the Year

There was a re-vote this past week on the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Award that Cushing won last year. He won in a landslide during the first vote beating the second place finisher by more than 20 votes. Though Cushing won the award on the second vote as well, it was much closer and he only won by five votes.

Though this is a slippery slope that the AP is treading on with a re-vote, it does show that people are sick and tired of steroid use. It has been much more acceptable in the NFL in years, but it seems that view is changing - and rightfully so.