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NFL, NFLPA agree to modifications to drug policy including odd THC, Fentanyl regulations

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax12/05/24BarkleyTruax
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 20: Wilson brand footballs with the NFL logo are pictured during the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on November 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to modify the league’s policy on substances of abuse and performance-enhancing substances.

The modifications range from rules on specific drugs, fines, suspensions, testing and more. The NFLPA released a statement to go along with a summary of the changes that will be made.

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“Over the past several months, the NFL and NFLPA have been discussing changes to the Substances of Abuse Policy (“SOA”) nd the Performance Enhancing Substances Policy (“PES”). Last week, we reached agreement with the NFL on several beneficial changes to the policies.”

The memo, which was obtained by NFL insider Tom Pelissero, outlined several new rules pertaining specifically to THC and Fentanyl.

Positive hits on THC tests will increase from 150 ng/ml to 350 ng/ml. Fines have also been reduced for all positive rests.

As it pertains to Fentanyl, “The Medical Diresctor may test players in the Program for Fentanyl if clincially indicated.” There will be no discipline for a positive test, but “failing to comply” during a “mandatory” meeting regarding Fentanyl after the positive test will result in a $15,000 fine.

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There will be no penalty for a missed test, but a second missed test results in a heftier fine of $45,000.

Elsewhere on the memo, a slew of new policies have been implimented on performance enhancing substances. That includes the testing window from the time of the initial notification is extended.

Notably, suspended players may be reinstated after a suspension even if they still test positive under specific circumstances which were not defined in the outline.

For both SOA’s and PES’s, the outline also notes that all players who currently have discipline pending for missed tests will have those excused. Another fine will also be levied if a player were to record live and/or post the collection process of a test on social media. That fine would total $15,000.

It ends by adding that players suspended prior to Noon ET three days before that player’s upcoming game, the suspension will start that week. If it comes after that, the suspension begins the following week.