National Football League

Key lawmaker urges NFL, union to test for HGH

Published Aug. 25, 2011 6:48 p.m. ET

foxsports

The chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee is urging the NFL and the players union to begin testing for human growth hormone in time for next month's season start.

Michigan Republican Rep. Fred Upton told Commissioner Roger Goodell and union head DeMaurice Smith in a letter Thursday that professional sport leagues set an example for all athletes - especially kids. He said his committee plays a prominent role on drug testing in pro sports.

Human growth hormone testing was included in the new collective bargaining agreement, but implementation was contingent upon the union's approval of the test and an appeals process. The two sides are at an impasse.

Earlier this week, Utah Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson also urged Goodell to implement the test in time for the season.