Jump to content
Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts Fan Forum

Antonio Gates Suspended


Recommended Posts

The banned substance list is out of control. These guys can be suspended for taking things any of us can buy at GNC. They need to outlaw anabolic steroids and HGH (unless administered by a doctor) and that's it. These guys bodies take a beating, there is no reason to ban a large majority of the supplements they do

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The banned substance list is out of control. These guys can be suspended for taking things any of us can buy at GNC. They need to outlaw anabolic steroids and HGH (unless administered by a doctor) and that's it. These guys bodies take a beating, there is no reason to ban a large majority of the supplements they do

 

I could be off base, but I've always found it funny that the NFL does not mind you taking a PED when it comes to players receiving Pain Injection shots just so they can be able to play through pain of certain injuries before the game starts.  I'm no expert on the subject by any means, but it doesn't seem all the way correct to ask someone to play 20 football games and treat it as if it's not abnormal wear and tear on the body. 

 

Seems to me that it will take more than regular exercise and nutrition on it's own to recooperate from the pounding.  Now I certainly am not advocating steroids or the illegal stuff by any means, but I don't have any problem with legal stuff that you can get from GNC or another legal outfit.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was stunned to see this today... no excuses though.  They know the rules and as Antonio said, it's his responsibility to know every substance that is going into his body is allowed.  

 

As to the rules in general, yeah, I think they're somewhat out of control.  But if guys weren't trying to gain and edge it wouldn't be an issue.  It's going to be a big loss for the team the first four games.  LaDarius Green, it's your time to shine!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I want to know what, exactly, qualifies a given substance for banishment? Do they just impose a broad ban on a family of substances? I want to know what draws the distinction between B-vitamins, caffeine and a banned substance?

 

Simply saying "performance enhancing" is a bit broad. I could easily make the argument that a cup of coffee would accomplish that. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I could be off base, but I've always found it funny that the NFL does not mind you taking a PED when it comes to players receiving Pain Injection shots just so they can be able to play through pain of certain injuries before the game starts.  I'm no expert on the subject by any means, but it doesn't seem all the way correct to ask someone to play 20 football games and treat it as if it's not abnormal wear and tear on the body. 

 

Seems to me that it will take more than regular exercise and nutrition on it's own to recooperate from the pounding.  Now I certainly am not advocating steroids or the illegal stuff by any means, but I don't have any problem with legal stuff that you can get from GNC or another legal outfit.

You aren't off base at all. We have players getting banned from the league for smoking a joint, yet there's the "team doctor" injecting players in the locker room with profoundly dangerous, highly addictive drugs. Those .... *ahem ..."doctors" don't give a damn what is best for their "patient". They do what they're told or they're replaced. 

 

Before anyone chimes in with "marijuana is illegal", I'll remind you that so is speeding, and in many states, speeding is subject to equivalent punitive action as is marijuana. Perhaps this is strictly due to federal laws....dunno, but hypocrisy seems to drive some of these regulations. 

 

Something else that is federally illegal is for a doctor to use his license to provide dangerous narcotics to patients when no imminent need is present, and I'm not sure part of that need is being down by 14 points at halftime. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was stunned to see this today... no excuses though. They know the rules and as Antonio said, it's his responsibility to know every substance that is going into his body is allowed.

As to the rules in general, yeah, I think they're somewhat out of control. But if guys weren't trying to gain and edge it wouldn't be an issue. It's going to be a big loss for the team the first four games. LaDarius Green, it's your time to shine!

Gates taking something from GLC by accident is as likely as Mathis taking a fertility drug.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The banned substance list is out of control. These guys can be suspended for taking things any of us can buy at GNC. They need to outlaw anabolic steroids and HGH (unless administered by a doctor) and that's it. These guys bodies take a beating, there is no reason to ban a large majority of the supplements they do

There's natural HGH that isn't as effective but has no harmful side effects.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gates taking something from GLC by accident is as likely as Mathis taking a fertility drug.

First off, I didn't say he took something from GLC (I'm assuming you actually meant GNC) by accident and neither did Antonio Gates.  Here is his complete statement as posted on the Chargers website:

STATEMENT FROM ANTONIO GATES

"In my 12 years in the NFL, I have taken tremendous pride in upholding the integrity of the NFL shield and all that it entails.  I have taken extreme care of my body with a holistic approach and I have never knowingly ingested a substance that was banned by the NFL.  In an effort to recover from this past season, I used supplements and holistic medicines, and unfortunately, I have now learned that those substances always present a risk because they may contain banned substances even if the ingredient list doesn’t reflect them. As an NFL veteran and team leader, I should have done my due diligence to ensure that what I was taking for recovery was within the NFL guidelines. I understand that I am responsible for what is in my body and I have always believed that ignorance is no excuse when it comes to these issues. I take full responsibility for my actions.  I’d like to express my sincere apologies to the Chargers, my teammates, coaches, fans and the league who have always supported me and expected and gotten nothing but the highest level of integrity from me."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The banned substance list is out of control. These guys can be suspended for taking things any of us can buy at GNC. They need to outlaw anabolic steroids and HGH (unless administered by a doctor) and that's it. These guys bodies take a beating, there is no reason to ban a large majority of the supplements they do

I agree in theory, but the problem is that (I believe) a bunch of those banned substances can be used as masking agents.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I want to know what, exactly, qualifies a given substance for banishment? Do they just impose a broad ban on a family of substances? I want to know what draws the distinction between B-vitamins, caffeine and a banned substance?

 

Simply saying "performance enhancing" is a bit broad. I could easily make the argument that a cup of coffee would accomplish that. 

 

It's in a detailed list.  You can view it here-

 

https://nflpaweb.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/PDFs/Player%20Planner/2014%20NFL%20List%20of%20Prohibited%20Substances.pdf

 

Analgesics aren't (painkillers) on there, neither is any type vitamin. It is interesting to note, Sudafed has to be prescribed and administered by the teams health care group.  Any and all players have access to this.  If they go to GNC, they need to cross reference ingredients before taking them.

 

If someone takes a substance that contains a banned substance, but isn't listed, it is still on the player and punishable.  That is why if any player wants to take anything, they are to asked to check with the team physician first.

 

"Players may not, in the absence of a valid therapeutic use exemption (see Appendix I), have Prohibited Substances in their systems or supply or facilitate the distribution of Prohibited Substances to other Players."

 

https://nflpaweb.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/PDFs/Active%20Players/PES_Policy_2014.pdf

https://nflpaweb.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/PDFs/Active%20Players/Drug_SOA_Policy_9-29-14.pdf

Link to comment
Share on other sites

First off, I didn't say he took something from GLC (I'm assuming you actually meant GNC) by accident and neither did Antonio Gates. Here is his complete statement as posted on the Chargers website:

STATEMENT FROM ANTONIO GATES

"In my 12 years in the NFL, I have taken tremendous pride in upholding the integrity of the NFL shield and all that it entails. I have taken extreme care of my body with a holistic approach and I have never knowingly ingested a substance that was banned by the NFL. In an effort to recover from this past season, I used supplements and holistic medicines, and unfortunately, I have now learned that those substances always present a risk because they may contain banned substances even if the ingredient list doesn’t reflect them. As an NFL veteran and team leader, I should have done my due diligence to ensure that what I was taking for recovery was within the NFL guidelines. I understand that I am responsible for what is in my body and I have always believed that ignorance is no excuse when it comes to these issues. I take full responsibility for my actions. I’d like to express my sincere apologies to the Chargers, my teammates, coaches, fans and the league who have always supported me and expected and gotten nothing but the highest level of integrity from me."

I really don't care to read a statement drafted by lawyers in a desperate attempt to save face for a well-respected veteran.

I've seen enough excuses from athletes on the subject. None of them took actual steroids, I get it.

I'd have a lot more respect for someone that came out and said they had injuries they were recovering from and succumbed to the pressure.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like the statement....he took FULL responsibility and didnt blame the NFL or anyone.

The NFL and the union agree on what substances should be banned....Players know. He has to be more careful about what he takes.

......as they all should

It is what it is...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like the statement....he took FULL responsibility and didnt blame the NFL or anyone.

The NFL and the union agree on what substances should be banned....Players know. He has to be more careful about what he takes.

......as they all should

It is what it is...

Meh. No he didn't. He made excuses for why he "ignorantly" took them and of course it was for recovery not performance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really don't care to read a statement drafted by lawyers in a desperate attempt to save face for a well-respected veteran.

I've seen enough excuses from athletes on the subject. None of them took actual steroids, I get it.

I'd have a lot more respect for someone that came out and said they had injuries they were recovering from and succumbed to the pressure.

I don't think you understand the nature of the issue. Many of these substances occur in supplements and aren't required to be listed on the label, at least that's my understanding of it. This isn't the first time where I had the impression that a player may have taken a banned substance unknowingly. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think you understand the nature of the issue. Many of these substances occur in supplements and aren't required to be listed on the label, at least that's my understanding of it. This isn't the first time where I had the impression that a player may have taken a banned substance unknowingly. 

 

No, I completely understand that view point.  I simply don't buy it when it comes to 10 year vets who know better than to take things without checking first.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No, I completely understand that view point.  I simply don't buy it when it comes to 10 year vets who know better than to take things without checking first.

From my understanding, many times people CAN check and not find any evidence that the banned substance is present in whatever supplement they've selected. 

 

To your point, however, I'm sure there are well known, verified and vouched supplements that are known to be safe and legal within the NFL's rules. So....ultimately you're 100% correct. It is incumbent solely upon the individual to ensure what they admit into their body is legit and within rules. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Chris Benoit's family cared, or at least they would....ya know....if he hadn't murdered them in a violent roid rage. 

 

Chris Benoit had so many concussions his brain looked like that of an 80 year old man. I think that had a lot to do with him murdering his family than the steroids. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Chris Benoit had so many concussions his brain looked like that of an 80 year old man. I think that had a lot to do with him murdering his family than the steroids. 

Many people suffer similar issues and they don't ritualistically murder their family. 

 

Perhaps his squishy brain combined with the highly elevated levels of testosterone in his system led to the rage he displayed? Testosterone certainly does lead to aggression, and I'm thinking a "perfect storm" of influences sent this man wildly off kilter.

 

Beyond all, that, I'm glad the NFL doesn't turn the other cheek in regard to HGH and anabolic steroids. These substances often cause abnormal muscle growth (as we all know), but what many people don't know is that the rate of growth for the supporting ligements and tendons doesn't coincide with the new muscle mass suddenly appearing. Which leads to elevated instance of injury ....*cough cough Bob Sanders

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Many people suffer similar issues and they don't ritualistically murder their family. 

 

A lot of people do steroids and don't ritualistically murder their family. 

 

Perhaps his squishy brain combined with the highly elevated levels of testosterone in his system led to the rage he displayed? Testosterone certainly does lead to aggression, and I'm thinking a "perfect storm" of influences sent this man wildly off kilter.

 

Could be. If i had to give a guess as two which of the two was more of a factor, I would guess is would be his mush brain over the high testosterone. 

 

Beyond all, that, I'm glad the NFL doesn't turn the other cheek in regard to HGH and anabolic steroids. These substances often cause abnormal muscle growth (as we all know), but what many people don't know is that the rate of growth for the supporting ligements and tendons doesn't coincide with the new muscle mass suddenly appearing. Which leads to elevated instance of injury ....*cough cough Bob Sanders

 

 

None of which is inherently bad or immoral. You also have HGH which helps drastically speed up the recovery process for major injuries. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

None of which is inherently bad or immoral. You also have HGH which helps drastically speed up the recovery process for major injuries. 

 

Perhaps I'm naive or old fashioned, but I only advocate for natural recovery methodologies. Introducing HGH and anabolic steroids seems unfair, as many others are not willing to take such risks. Too many proven risk factors involved in such practices for it to be allowed and still call it "fair". 

 

Another part of Chris Benoit's body that was ravaged; His testes. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

They should be allowed to take steroids. Who cares?

Yes I'm being seirous

Well, I guess one could take a down the line libertarian view and say they SHOULD be able to take steroids...but its just not realistic.

And who cares?

For starters....billionaire NFL owners.

The NFL has already had a cascade of lawsuits regarding the concussion issue....lawsuits that have generated stricter sideline protocols, guidelines that dictate a player's return from games missed due to concussions....all the way to the heads up campaign for youth football programs.

Can you imagine what they'd face in the courts if they rubber-stamped steroids in THAT environment?

I won't argue that there was a time when owners didn't give a crap about steroids, and in fact I don't doubt the NFL once treated it with a wink and a nod.

But after all the concussion lawsuits....NFL-approved steroid use ain't gonna happen.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Perhaps I'm naive or old fashioned, but I only advocate for natural recovery methodologies. Introducing HGH and anabolic steroids seems unfair, as many others are not willing to take such risks. Too many proven risk factors involved in such practices for it to be allowed and still call it "fair". 

 

As long as the NFL teams are prohibited from forcing players to partake in HGH for recovery, I don't see how it would be unfair.

 

You're probably correct in the assumption that it would create a culture where players were basically forced (at risk of losing their jobs or taking to long to recover from injury) to use it, but it would still be their choice.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think you understand the nature of the issue. Many of these substances occur in supplements and aren't required to be listed on the label, at least that's my understanding of it. This isn't the first time where I had the impression that a player may have taken a banned substance unknowingly. 

 

That seems to be the thought, but supplements are indeed supposed to properly label all ingredients contained within. Note:

 

"

The FDA regulates both finished dietary supplement products and dietary ingredients. FDA regulates dietary supplements under a different set of regulations than those covering "conventional" foods and drug products. Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA):

  • Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded.  That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

  • FDA is responsible for taking action against any adulterated or misbranded dietary supplement product after it reaches the market.

"

But that doesn't mean the cheesy brands adhere to that.  Big market supplements likely do.  And the banned list is easy access, even from the NFLPA site.

 

So if you take an 'off brand' supplement, you may ingest something on the banned list.  That is on you, the player, not the company of the pills. 

 

Here's another scenario, that would intrigue me.  Say an inquisitive player looks hard at the list, and doesn't see Testofen on the banned list.  He's heard from his body builder friends that Testofen (from fenugreek seeds) combined with l-citruline malate, tribulus terrestris makes a powerful combo to stimulate natural production of Testosterone.  He finds from a sales clerk at GNC that a product called Nugenix has that combo, plus adds Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, along with Zinc to the mix.  He buys.

 

After taking it a few weeks, he seems to feel bigger, faster stronger, and more inner fire. 'The stuff works!!' he exclaims loudly.  The a few days later, the pee in a cup dude from the NFL arrives... it is his turn to give a sample.  He complies, wondering all along what else was in that supplement he was taking.

 

If his sample passes, hurray! he found and 'Edge' , and promptly shares it with some close team mates.

 

OTOH, if the NFL send notification sample A failed, and testing on Sample B will begin to determine status, then he can wonder, is Testofen not listed but considered under this clause-

 

"and other substances with a similar chemical structure and similar biological effect(s)"

 

Or was there something else in there not labelled? People assume the latter (which may or may not be true!) and that's how the story goes.

 

No matter what, the player should have taken the bottle to his team doctor.  The Doc can check out the product.  If it looks dicey, he will tell player to toss it in the garbage bin and be done with it.  No failing a drug test.  If he OK's it, you likely will pass. But if you fail, you still pay the price in fines/suspension, but you'll be in ok standing with the team having gne through the right channels first.  And everyone learned something new.

 

I see no scenario where a player fails a drug test, and he's completely innocent.  Yes, including R. Mathis and the Clomid.

 

I'm also not for allowing players to administer controlled substances to themselves or others without a prescription (steroids, Adderall, etc...).Change the U.S. law first.  Then allow private bodies to do such a thing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

{snipped }

 

None of which is inherently bad or immoral. You also have HGH which helps drastically speed up the recovery process for major injuries. 

 

The moral thing aside, you still have the legal thing  We all know about steroids (controlled substance needing an Rx), but for hGh-

 

*******************************************************************************************************************8

Distributing or aiding and abetting in the distribution of (e.g. prescribing) growth hormone (and anabolic steroids) for antiaging, athletic enhancement and age-related decline in GH is illegal

The Secretary of HHS and thus the FDA have indicated that hGH for adults is allowed for only three conditions:

    wasting syndrome of AIDS

    short bowel syndrome

    Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency Syndrome (AGHD)*

*AGHD is NOT simply the decline in hGH with age; it is a very specific, very rare condition (usually due to a pitutiary gland tumor

 

************************************************************************************************************************8

 

I doubt the FDA is eager to revise it's laws any time soon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I see no scenario where a player fails a drug test, and he's completely innocent.

Can you explain why 3 of the players received 4-game suspensions while another received only a 1-game suspension.

(My question has nothing to do with this quote. I just wanted to direct my question to you.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can you explain why 3 of the players received 4-game suspensions while another received only a 1-game suspension.

(My question has nothing to do with this quote. I just wanted to direct my question to you.)

 

 

I haven't followed the details on these particular cases closely, so it will be an educated guess. (besides, they do not have to disclose the substance). This could be the difference of failing the Steroid policy vs. the Substance Abuse policy (PEDS versus recreational drugs), or amount of infractions a player has incurred. The punishments are different.

 

First time use of a steroid, stimulant, HGH or other banned substance (PED) will result in a suspension without pay of four games. Trying to manipulate the test will add 2 games.  Use of a masking agent will also result in two games.  Second offense is a 10 game suspension. 3rd time caught is banishment for 2 years minimum.

 

But the NFL won't suspend for off season of failing of using a stimulant anymore. But I'm not not sure about steroids or the new HGH test.

 

For weed, the suspension have been relieved a good amount. Now the Ganja hammer goes like this...  A first violation will result in referral to the substance abuse program. Subsequent violations will result in a two-game fine, a four-game fine, a four-game suspension, a 10-game suspension, and one-year banishment.

 

Older substance abuse penalties for other recreational drugs remain the same, and I'm not sure if there is a 1 game penalty for a certain infraction, but fairly sure there likely is.

 

I know this doesn't help that much, but it is all I got, and I am not really motivated to go any further with it; if you don't mind. :-)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I haven't followed the details on these particular cases closely, so it will be an educated guess. (besides, they do not have to disclose the substance). This could be the difference of failing the Steroid policy vs. the Substance Abuse policy (PEDS versus recreational drugs), or amount of infractions a player has incurred. The punishments are different.

First time use of a steroid, stimulant, HGH or other banned substance (PED) will result in a suspension without pay of four games.

Trying to manipulate the test will add 2 games. Use of a masking agent will also result in two games. Second offense is a 10 game suspension. 3rd time caught is banishment for 2 years minimum.

But the NFL won't suspend for off season of failing of using a stimulant anymore. But I'm not not out steroids or the new HGH test.

For weed, the suspension have been relieved a good amount. Now the Ganja hammer goes like this...

A first violation will result in referral to the substance abuse program.

Subsequent violations will result in a two-game fine, a four-game fine, a four-game suspension, a 10-game suspension, and one-year banishment.

Older substance abuse penalties for other recreational drugs remain the same, and I'm not sure if there is a 1 game penalty for a certain infraction, but fairly sure there likely is.

I know this doesn't help that much, but it is all I got, and I am not really motivated to go any further with it; if you don't mind. :-)

Of course, I don't mind. I was just wondering. No worries. I appreciate your trying to answer it as best you can.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Of course, I don't mind. I was just wondering. No worries. I appreciate your trying to answer it as best you can.

 

Sorry, I don't know the details.  But one can make assumptions form the penalty data above.  I'd say, either a multiple time infraction of the marijuana policy, or first time PED  abuser (not a stimulant, which I don't think the NFL suspends for in the off season anymore).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'd be willing to bet the majority of nfl players currently take or have taken steroids in the past. Steroids aren't nearly as bad as the media would like us to believe.

Hgh is some strong stuff and can have lasting effects but stuff like dianabol, winstrol, and test doesn't have that many, if any, long term effects on the body

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My personal thought on this issue is that I want to see what can be accomplished within the constraints of the natural human body pushed to its limits through training, determination and skill development.  

 

When we use chemicals to push the body beyond what it can naturally endure (which includes pain control), we also naturally subject it to greater destruction.  Bigger muscles on normal tendons bring tears.  Rage brought on by steroid or other hormone use creates a potentially out of control player that can damage other players because he is less able to recognize and control his own emotions.  

 

I do not think that Gates should have been allowed to play with his Plantar Faciatis (foot injury) when he was in such pain that it required massive shots to get him through a game and a week of torture to semi-recover.  

 

I want to see players have as long of a career as possible, not a short flame out or blip of greatness.  Unnatural substances are not likely to produce that result.   

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry, I don't know the details. But one can make assumptions form the penalty data above. I'd say, either a multiple time infraction of the marijuana policy, or first time PED abuser (not a stimulant, which I don't think the NFL suspends for in the off season anymore).

You don't have to apologize. I asked you since you seem to know a lot about this stuff. You are not obligated to answer, but I appreciate your trying to do so.

I have since checked a few Packers sites and all have questioned why Datone Jones was suspended only one game. Like you, the writers did not know why, noting that the NFL does not release that information. One site indicated that players that fail non-PED drug tests usually receive two or four game suspensions. One article pointed out that players who received one-game suspensions were those found in possession of marijuana (Ahmad Bradshaw and Marcel Dareus). So, could he have been found in possession of marijuana as opposed to have tested positive? Who knows.

I also learned that the NFL does not make these announcements until after the player has appealed the punishment. So, perhaps Jones was originally punished two games and it was reduced to one game.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I imagine Lyle Alzado's family may have something to say about that also

Yeah, that man turned to shambles in quite horrific fashion. 

 

There are numerous examples of people suffering quite greatly after abusing steroids. Lyle was one of my favorite defenders back in the day, and I was crushed to learn about steroids. Even more so due to the way we learned about it. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry, I don't know the details.

I found something:

Quote:

According to City of Green Bay Municipal Court records, Green Bay Packers defensive end Datone Jones was ticketed for marijuana possession on Jan. 19 – the day after the Packers’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game – and paid an $880 fine a month later.

That would explain why Jones received a one-game suspension from the NFL on Thursday for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, meaning the third-year defensive end will miss the Packers’ Sept. 13 regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears.

According to the Green Bay Municipal Court website, Jones pleaded guilty to possession of THC and paid his fine on Feb. 10, and the case was then closed. The case is considered a civil ordinance violation, not a misdemeanor or criminal conviction...

There was confusion as to why Jones received just a one-game suspension, given that the NFL substance-abuse policy does not specifically mention what ground there would be for a one-game penalty.

A league source had said Thursday that a one-game suspension would indicate a violation of the policy without a positive test. An NFL spokesman did not return an email Thursday, with the Fourth of July weekend coming.

http://www.espnwisconsin.com/common/more.php?m=49&action=blog&r=40&post_id=53401

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...