NFL and Players Association Agree to Use a Third Party Arbitrator Following Positive HGH Tests

A number of Major League Baseball players have faced suspension in recent months over alleged Human Growth Hormone (“HGH”) use.  The situation has apparently led other sports to more closely examine their own HGH policies.  According to reports, the National Football League (“NFL”) and the NFL Players Association have agreed to allow arbitration by a third party to take place if a player tests positive for HGH.  Although the official policy has not yet been finalized, the agreement means NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will not make the final decision regarding whether a league player has tested positive for HGH.  Currently, a third party arbitrator hears all appeals related to whether an NFL player has tested positive for other performance enhancing drugs.  It has not yet been decided whether Goodell or an outside arbitrator will be tasked with resolving disputes related to HGH violations that do not include a positive test.