The NFL is tightening the screws on four players who have refused to cooperate with the league’s investigation into allegations of performance-enhancing drug use.
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Harrison, Matthews and Peppers adamantly deny the allegations in the Al Jazeera America report that was released in December, calling the report “flimsy”, “bogus” and “nonsense”.
If you thought the Al Jazeera investigation into athlete doping had gone away now that Peyton Manning has strolled into the sunset with another Super Bowl title, think again. Charlie Sly, an IN pharmacist who made the accusations IN the undercover video, has since retracted his claims.
Packers General Manager Ted Thompson is not making contingency plans in case two of his best defensive players are suspended by the NFL. He also was incensed with fines the league issued him over his style of play on defense that they deemed not within the new safety rules.
Harrison previously said he would talk to the league, but only if the interview took place at his home before training camp and if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was present at the interview.
Neal is now a free agent. Matthews and Peppers are key players for Green Bay’s defense, and Neal is now a free agent who spent the past six seasons with the Packers. Harrison is going into his 13th year with the Steelers and 14th year overall. Patriots QB Tom Brady will serve a four-game suspension this season because Goodell had to save face with the owners after spending millions on a tainted investigation.
Harrison told reporters Tuesday that he would be willing to do the interview, but he is frustrated with how the National Football League has handled the process thus far.
The NFLPA responded with their request for more information as to what they were basing their request to interview these players for.
The NFL is still seeking an audience with the four linebackers it’s investigating for an alleged link to performance-enhancing drugs. “That’s between him and the PA and the league”. Nonetheless, the deadline to meet with the league inches closer.
Matthews, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, has amassed 67.5 sacks in seven seasons with Green Bay. On each occasion, the NFLPA has communicated the players’ refusal to participate. The statements, however, are wholly devoid of any detail, and we were quickly able to determine that Mr. Neal’s statement includes an assertion that is demonstrably false.
NFLPA assistant executive director of external affairs George Atallah told ESPN this summer that the players need more evidence from the league before addressing the reports further. The league office cited inaccurate information that was included in the “sworn statement” of Neal that has since been corrected, and to date the players have chosen not to answer questions or cooperate fully. “You don’t find many of those people in the world, I don’t think”.
Birch cited Article 46 of the CBA in noting the discipline that can come for noncooperation or obstruction.
“The Commissioner has directed that Messrs”.
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Neither Matthews nor Peppers appeared in the Packers’ locker room Tuesday afternoon, when reporters and camera crews milled around for 50 minutes during the team’s media availability.
