Birch’s memo to the union said suspensions would start the day after the August 25 deadline, and would end at the discretion of Commissioner Roger Goodell once interviews had been completed.
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On Monday night, the league issued a letter to the NFLPA threatening to suspend Harrison, Matthews, Peppers and Neal if they failed to schedule an interview by August 25.
Neal, who is now a free agent, has not agreed to participate in the NFL’s investigation.
After considering his options, veteran Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison decided that he’s more interested in meeting with the National Football League and playing this season than making a stand. “That’s just the collective bargaining agreement that the players signed [in 2011]”.
“Whatever evidence they think they may have or reasoning for questioning me is out of my control”, Harrison said.
“I wouldn’t have a problem with it being filmed, live”.
“I’ve been prosecuted, persecuted in the media by them, for something I didn’t do”, Harrison said.
The four players have refused to be interviewed without what they call credible evidence. I wouldn’t be on the team.
The three players have been embroiled in a controversy created by the league’s desire to pursue a since-retracted claim by a unwittingly miked informant for the Al-Jezeera America Network regarding the alleged use of performance enhancing drugs.
All that said, the PED and substance-abuse policies have far more structured penalties, and that’s what Harrison and Green Bay’s Matthews and Peppers, along with Neal, were facing until the Players Association recommended they ignore the league’s request to talk. It would hurt my teammates and coaches.
Matthews and Peppers are scheduled to meet with investigators on Wednesday.
Harrison maintained he has never taken PEDs in his life and that he has nothing new to tell the league.
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Harrison had previously been advised by the NFLPA not to do the interview, but he has nothing to hide and wants to do what is best for the team. Charlie Sly, the central figure in the Al Jazeera documentary who has since recanted his allegations, declined to speak with Major League Baseball investigators. He said he wants his interview videotaped so the public can witness it. “That’s why the Steelers voted no”.
