Earlier this week, the NFL threatened four players with suspensions if they didn’t cooperate with the league’s investigation into allegations that they all received performance-enhancing drugs from the Guyer Institute in Indiana.
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However, they weren’t willing to let the active players walk that easily, as Roger Goodell issued an ultimatum: either meet with investigators for an interview by August 25, or be handed a 10-game suspension.
The league reportedly informed the NFL Players Assocation in a letter that if players do not interview, they will draw a suspension beginning next Friday and, according to reports, the letter suggested that Goodell would suspend based on the “conduct detrimental” policy.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported Harrison would meet with the league on August 28 at team headquarters with stipulations for the interview, including that questions be limited to the 20-second reference to Harrison in the video in question. The report was based largely on the testimony of Charlie Sly, who worked at anti-aging clinic in Indianapolis but has since recanted his story.
Harrison is a longtime leader for the Steelers.
Harrison and the other players – as well as the NFLPA – had also declined to be interviewed because they did not believe the league had the “credible evidence” needed to force an interview under the league’s PED policy. The NFLPA remains in support and in an advisory capacity and sent similar letters on behalf of both Matthews and Peppers, the source told Graziano.
“I’m sure it would lean me in that direction because I don’t want to let my teammates down”, Harrison said. Mike Neal, who is a free agent, hasn’t agreed to a date yet, but if it turns out that he did take PEDs, you can bet that no team will be calling to sign him.
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.
Harrison said he wouldn’t have a problem with filming the proceedings.
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The NFL first notified the four players January 11 about the investigation into the Al-Jazeera report. In the end, apparently, Harrison decided on the latter.
