NFL:
League sets date to meet players accused of doping - report
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[August 16, 2016]
(Reuters) - The NFL has set an
Aug. 25 deadline for four players to meet with the league regarding
allegations of doping or they face the prospect of being handed
suspensions, it was reported on Monday.
Green Bay linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers along with
Pittsburgh's James Harrison and free agent Mike Neal are facing
punishment for their failure to speak with the NFL regarding an
investigation into their use of performance enhancing drugs.
Adolpho Birch, the NFL's senior vice president of labor policy and
league affairs, sent a memo to the NFL Players Association warning
that suspensions would take effect on Aug. 26 if the players failed
to cooperate. A copy of the letter to the NFLPA was obtained and
reported by the NFL's website (www.nfl.com).
Any suspension will remain in effect until the players meet with
league investigators and then Commissioner Roger Goodell will decide
whether to lift any disciplinary action.
The accusation against the players was made in a December report by
Al Jazeera America, who said that a former intern pharmacist told an
undercover reporter that the four players, and retired quarterback
Peyton Manning, were supplied with performance enhancing drugs.
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Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) before
playing against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at
CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The pharmacist later recanted his statement but the league is
investigating the report and said that multiple attempts had been
made to set up interviews with the accused players.
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Brien)
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