By Suzanne Sweeney
Whether it is just being used as a new bargaining chip in labor negotiations by the league, or it really is an issue that needs to be addressed to uphold the integrity of the game, the NFL is now insisting they want HGH testing on the table when a new collective bargaining agreement is reached.
HGH, Human Growth Hormone, is a protein that stimulates the body cells to increase both in size, as well as undergo more rapid cell division than usual. In addition, it enhances the movement of amino acids through cell membranes and also increases the rate at which these cells convert these molecules into proteins. Clearly, you can see that this would amount to an anabolic (muscle building) effect in the human body. Human Growth Hormone also has the ability to cause cells to decrease the normal rate at which they utilize carbohydrates, and simultaneously increase the rate at which they use fats.
Human Growth Hormone also has the ability to stimulate the production (or reproduction, in the case of an injury) of cartilage. This, however, requires the presence of a mediator substance, Somatomedin (IGF), which is released from the liver in response to Human Growth Hormone, and the IGF, in turn, actually promotes the growth of cartilage.
Although Human Growth Hormone requires IGF to actually grow new cartilage, Human Growth Hormone is directly able to stimulate the elongation of bone tissue, and Human Growth Hormone has also been shown to elicit a positive effect on erythropoiesis, which is great for both anabolism as well as endurance(1).
Unfortunately, for the players that may have a fear of needles, the HGH test would only be done through a blood test since the urine test result is unreliable. This will no doubt raise other issues such as the rights of the players. Let’s be clear, the Players Association has not taken an official stance opposing the testing of the Human Growth hormone.
In my opinion, there is no logical reason that a blood test for HGH not be made mandatory for the NFL players. Let’s get these guys under the same scrutiny that athletes of other sports must endure. HGH testing has been allowed in the Olympics for years, and we all hear about the investigations taking place each year in MLB.
Will we see mandatory blood testing along with the 26,000 annual urine tests (2) conducted next season? Only time (and successful negotiations) can tell.
Adolpho Birch, who oversees the NFL's drug-testing program as the league's senior vice president of law and labor policy, told FOXSports.com that the league believes HGH testing is "necessary" and "we're going to insure that it's done."
"That's something very important to us and the integrity of our game," Birch said. "We believe some of the basis for going slowly on it before has been addressed. At this point, it's proper for it to be an active part of our program."(3)
In this two week standoff, this new factor makes the light at the end of the lockout tunnel that much dimmer.
Suazanne,
ReplyDeleteI definately wasn't aware of the need to do HGH testing. Thanks for bringing up something that not all of us are aware about. Interesting.
Alison
Suzanne, I agree with Ali in that this is a great update on the CBA. You include all the necessary information for the reader to follow the argument - the NFL's stand, the players' stand, and your stand. Also, the basic info about HGH is present.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne,
ReplyDeleteI didn't know anything about this. Good job with the detail and different points of view.
Samantha