NEW YORK – The NFL hopes to start testing players for human growth hormone, and Major League Baseball has started talks with its union to investigate the test that led to the suspension of a British rugby player.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Wednesday that the league had made a proposal to its players in January regarding HGH. Discussions are ongoing, he said.
Baseball has had urine testing since 2003 but not blood testing.
“We have previously said that if a scientifically validated blood test for HGH is available, we would consider its utilization,” new baseball players’ association head Michael Weiner said. “But a single uncontested positive does not scientifically validate a test. There remains debate in the testing community about the scientific validity of this test.”
The issue of HGH testing has gained renewed interest in the wake of the United Kingdom Anti-Doping authority announcing a two-year ban Monday for rugby player Terry Newton, saying he had tested positive and become the first athlete suspended for using HGH.
McGwire’s brother talks steroids
Mark McGwire’s estranged younger brother said he injected Big Mac with a variety of steroids and thinks the home run king gained obvious strength from the drugs. Jay McGwire’s book, “Mark and Me,” is scheduled for publication Monday. Jay McGwire said his brother “knew that he was going to get the strength and endurance and size.” When he finally admitted last month that he used steroids, Mark McGwire said it was only for healing.
Around the Majors
Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen has a Twitter account that has prompted concern from general manager Ken Williams. … Seattle lefty Cliff Lee completed his first bullpen session of spring training without any problems with his left foot, which needed surgery almost three weeks ago to remove a bone spur. … Texas center fielder Josh Hamilton left morning workouts after bruising his shoulder. … Russell Branyan and Cleveland completed a one-year contract. … Catcher Rod Barajas joined the New York Mets after finalizing a $500,000, one-year contract.
