Broncos receiver Wes Welker was suspended four games for violating the league’s performance-enhancement drug policy, an infraction Welker vehemently denied in a statement to The Post’s Mike Klis. Welker called the NFL’s drug policies “clearly flawed,” but what exactly are those policies?
For starters, the league has separate policies for the use of performance enhancers and ” substances of abuse,” such as marijuana and alcohol. According to NFL sources, Welker was suspended for taking Adderall, an amphetamine on the NFL’s list of banned performance-enhancers. Per the collective bargaining agreement with players, the NFL may test players during the scouting combine before their rookie seasons. Once in the league, players may be tested at any time in a calendar year. (Players may be tested only between April 20 and August 9 for substances of abuse, unless they are in the league’s intervention program.)
During testing, a player’s urine sample is split into two bottles, “A” and “B.” If a player’s “A” bottle tests positive for a banned substance, he is notified and can request to have his “B” bottle tested. He can then request to appeal within five business days of notification.
The first positive test for a performance-enhancement drug warrants a four-game suspension, without pay. The ban will begin on the date set in the league’s notification to the player, unless he opts to appeal.
A second violation — which includes a second positive test or an attempt to manipulate a test — warrants a minimum eight-game suspension, without pay.
A third violation warrants a minimum 12-month suspension, without pay and with reinstatement at the discretion of the commissioner.
