A dozen or so players and a banned 'water pill' vs. the NFL Steroids policy....Who wins?
A dozen or so players are now dealing with a potential violation of the NFL Steroids policy and the automatic 4-game suspension (for 1st time offenders) that goes with it. The appeals process is under way and the outcome could shed light on some very interesting issues.
The player's explanation is that the didn't take steroids but inadvertently and unknowingly consumed a banned diuretic (water pill) that was part of a weight loss supplement. And that the weight loss supplement didn't have the banned substance clearly listed as an ingredient.
The NFL Steroids policy has a list of banned substances and a positive test is a positive test. Furthermore, the banned substance in question (the diuretic or 'water pill' named bumetanide) is commonly used as a masking agent in attempts to 'beat' steroid testing. Now the plot thickens and a few issues come to mind.
First and foremost, why are NFL player's commonly taking weight loss supplements? It's certainly not safe. Since they are not losing fat and definitely do not want to lose muscle mass. They are merely losing numbers on the scale by dehydrating (water loss) their bodies...a very dangerous practice. So why are they doing it? They truly want to lose weight? One of the players allegedly involved is a long snapper on punts and field goals. I'm not buying it. Or are they really attempting to mask steroid or other banned substances use?....NO? Ok...So why are they doing it?
And a few words of caution about the world of nutritional supplements. Nutritional supplements and other 'functional foods' are NOT closely regulated by the FDA. The ingredient labels (unlike those on the side of a cereal box) do not have to be accurate. In fact, they don't have to list the ingredients at all. It can be a 'secret formula'. Remember, no one is really watching.
Also the product's manufacturers can say damn near anything it wants since there are no requirements to prove those claims. Builds lean muscle mass...provides explosive energy...lose fat but maintain muscle.....yada...yada...yada. As long as the manufacturer does not claim to diagnose, treat or cure a disease (which would then make the product a drug and subject to intense scrutiny by the FDA) it's all good. And unlike the actual ingredients the disclaimer will be on the label. Just read the fine print.
I'm not saying that the entire multi-billion dollar universe of nutritional supplements and 'functional foods' (energy drinks, weight loss pills etc..) are total BS but know what you're dealing with. Because for the most part, it's the unregulated, unproven, untested wild west.
The NFL doesn't need to prove anything. They already have. The NFL has the positive tests results. !00% of the burden is now upon the involved players and their attorneys to complete a 4th and very long 'Hail Mary'.
To answer my own question- Who will win this tussle...the allegedly involved players or the NFL Steroids policy? Honestly, I don't know but I am absolutely certain who loses, again.....'Joe" fan.
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