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What drugs are banned in football? What is NFL’s drug policy?

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been hit with a two-Game suspension after violating the NFL’s Performance Enhancing Substances Policy.

What substance did Garoppolo take?

According to sources close to ESPN Senior Writer Adam Schefter, the two-time Super Bowl winner was found to have used a prescribed medication without having a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption. As a result, Garoppolo will miss the first two games of the 2024 NFL season, which begins on 5 September, although he will be able to take part in offseason activities and training camps during the summer.

The 32 year old, however, is unlikely to be a Raiders player by that point, with the Las Vegas franchise expected to release him, depriving him of an $11.25 million roster bonus.

What tests are NFL players subject to?

The NFL carry out two different tests on players. Firstly, SOA (Substance of Abuse) Annual tests, which can be administered up to 10 times per month and tests for the following substances, as per the NFL:

  • Cocaine
  • Synthetic Marijuana
  • Amphetamines (includes Adderall)
  • Opiates
  • Opioids
  • PCP
  • MDMA (i.e., ecstasy, molly)

Secondly, players are also subject to PES (Performance Enhancing Substances) Annual tests, which can take place a maximum of 24 times a year. Both tests can be conducted during the in-season, off-season or vacation periods. Or, in Garoppolo’s case, just after the Super Bowl.

  • Anabolic/Androgenic Steroids (e.g., testosterone, nandrolone, turinabol)
  • Protein and Peptide Hormones (e.g., hGH, GHRP, BPC 157)
  • Anti-estrogenic Agents (e.g., tamoxifen)
  • Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMS) (e.g., Ostarine)
  • Diuretics (e.g., chlorothiazide)
  • Stimulants (e.g., amphetamines, Ritalin, ephedrine)
  • Gene Doping (e.g., GW1516)

The NFL Players Association website has a full list of all substances that players are banned from taking. Garoppolo will be able to play from week three of the 2024 season, although it remains to be seen which team he will be playing for. The former 49ers quarterback is set to leave Las Vegas after just one year with the Raiders.

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