NFL explains why James Harrison can't record video of mandatory drug test
Steelers LB said he wanted to record his drug test because he was 'suspicious of the process'
By
Ryan Wilson
•
1 min read
The NFL prohibited Steelers linebacker James Harrison from recording his most recent drug test and, it turns out, the league has reasons beyond "this is obviously a conspiracy!" for doing so.
"A player may not film a drug test," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told PFT in an email. "Both the league and NFLPA recognize that the collection protocols and procedures are designed to ensure the accuracy and identification of the specimens to be tested. To maintain the integrity of the protocols and protect against the possibility of manipulation of the process at the time or during future tests, the policy prohibits devices and other objects in the collection area or taking photographs or video of specific collections.
"There are a number of protections in place for both the player and collector to ensure that the protocols are properly followed. In addition to the multi-step verification of identity and confirmations of specimen and bottle integrity, the protocols expressly allow both the player and collector to note and report for investigation any perceived irregularity or deviation in the collection process."
Seems reasonable, even if Harrison had legitimate reasons for wanting to record the encounter.
"To clarify -- I never have a problem being tested," Harrison wrote on Instagram. "I wasn't videoing the test because I was suspicious of the process. I was only videoing leading up to the actual test to post it on IG for what I think is interesting behind the scenes content for the fans, which I had done when I was tested earlier this year, with no notice of wrongdoing."
Worth pointing out: The drug tester from Harrison's February test was fired for not following protocol.
Harrison continued: "If the league can invade our space and interrupt our preseason training with shows like Hard Knocks because it's interesting behind the scenes content for the fans, why can't I post this?"
And now we know: Accuracy and integrity of the test takes precedence over social media.
