National Football League

Players to face unlimited random blood tests

Published Aug. 7, 2011 12:11 p.m. ET

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Every NFL player will be blood-tested once a year and could face unlimited random tests for human growth hormone (HGH) across the season under the rules of the NFL's new drug-testing program.

The league outlined the updated stance Saturday following the signing Friday of the collective bargaining agreement, confirming that the drug tests would be conducted on game days for the first time.

According to The Washington Post, each player will be given his single annual scheduled blood test for HGH — the synthetic hormone that promotes muscle growth and reduces recovery time — during the preseason.

Unlimited random testing can then take place across the year, while each player can be tested up to six times during the offseason.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that he expected the HGH testing program to take effect during the opening week of the season.

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