Steelers voice opinions on possibility of HGH testing in the NFL

PITTSBURGH — Several Pittsburgh Steelers voiced their opinions Monday on whether NFL players should be tested for Human Growth Hormone – something the league has been considering.

Perhaps the hottest topic in the world of sports right now is testing for performance enhancing drugs, Channel 11’s Bill Phillips said.

According to Phillips, the NFL and its players are close to testing for HGH, which requires a blood test. Veteran linebacker Larry Foote said he’s pleased with the direction the league and the players are heading.

“The message around here is that you are responsible for whatever you put in your body. As a player, I want an even playing field,” Foote said.

Foote said he’s ready to “bring the hammer down” as far as penalties go for anyone who gets caught.

“I would say a lifetime ban because guys are not getting the message. I can understand why a guy would risk $100 million to cheat. The next thing to counter that is a lifetime ban,” Foote said.

Linebacker LaMarr Woodley and defensive end Ziggy Hood also said they would welcome testing, especially because they’re clean.

“I’m a clean player and I keep it clean. I work just as hard as the next guy,” Hood said. “It’s out of my hands, so the only thing I can do it worry about myself and focus on what my teammates are doing and just keep moving on.”

Testing could start as early as this season, but it’s more likely to begin next season, Phillips said.

WPXI