Never Going Away

I heard a good discussion about the HGH issue and the NFL. After the CBA was signed prior to the 2011 season, it was agreed that the league and  NFL Players Association would work on an agreement for HGH testing. Currently, only a blood test can detect levels of HGH.

After two seasons, nothing has happened. Periodically, some member of Congress tries to get into the spotlight by questioning the lack of progress on an agreement. They sometimes threaten Congressional hearings, but nothing happens.

The HGH issue is the 900 pound gorilla that everyone wishes would just go away. Once they start doing blood tests, it's inevitable that players will get caught. It's one thing if they are a 7th round draft pick, but what happens if one of the league's marque players gets involved?

Everyone wants to think that players are so much bigger now because of nutrition and training methods. They are correct to a certain degree, but so many of them look like pure physical freaks. I think it's unnatural in many cases.

I don't believe in taking HGH or other PED's, but how do you get them out of the sport without impacting it? A major stumbling block has been the testing protocols. They called for game day blood samples which the players oppose. The NFLPA is also fighting against testing during the season.

I'm sure we will hear Congress grousing again. The NFL and the NFLPA will issue their responses and blow some smoke, but they will be happy if they can get to this point next year without upsetting the cart that carries the money.