“Players linked to Al-Jazeera report will interview with NFL”.
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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. She also said Harrison wants to “end this witch hunt and distraction to his 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.
“If it goes to a conduct detrimental, then it leans to the hands of that crook, I mean, Roger Goodell”, Harrison said. “I wouldn’t be on the team, it would hurt the team, it would hurt my teammates and coaches, so it was easier to do the interview”. 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.
The letter also points to the question that has sparked the controversy culminating in the NFL’s alleged bullying of the players: “Is the National Football League aware of any credible evidence – other than the recanted remarks by one individual shown by Al-Jazeera – that indicates there is any validity to the remarks about Mr. Harrison?”
It’s also unclear when Matthews and Peppers plan to meet with the NFL or whether Neal intends to follow in his fellow linebackers’ footsteps and comply with the league’s investigation. Matthews and Peppers are key cogs in Green Bay’s defense, and Neal is now a free agent who spent the past six seasons with the Packers.
Harrison, however, said he would listen to NFLPA advisors on the situation.
“Whatever evidence they think they may have, or reasoning for questioning me is out of my control”, Harrison said Thursday night.
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Harrison isn’t sure what to expect from the interview. Harrison has stipulated he will only answer questions related to the report. “That was something we should have had negotiated into the BA, because there shouldn’t be somebody who is the judge, jury and executioner, as they say”.
