Pubdate: Sun, 5 Dec 1999
Source: Associated Press
Copyright: 1999 Associated Press

REPORT: NFL DRUG POLICY EYED

NEW YORK (AP) -- The NFL players' union wants to change the league's drug
policy and has contacted the league about arranging a meeting after the
season.

CBS Sports reported Sunday on its "NFL Today" show that Gene Upshaw,
executive director of the NFL Players Association, sought the meeting in
response to the suspension of Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Miller.

Miller was suspended for the season's final four games after he tested
positive for a banned steroid contained in an over-the-counter nutritional
supplement.

A league spokesman confirmed that Harold Henderson, head of the NFL
Management Council, spoke with Upshaw about a possible meeting. The union
offices in Washington were closed Sunday.

Bears spokesman Kevin Harlan said the team had not been notified of any
meeting.

Quarterback Shane Matthews replaced Miller on Sunday in the Bears' 35-19
loss to Green Bay.

"Jim made an honest mistake and he's got to miss four games," Matthews said.
"I don't take supplements. I don't know if it should or not (be overhauled).
It won't affect me."

Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre spoke about the policy last week.

"They're changing the rules on us every day," he said. "They're banning
stuff and adding stuff and banning stuff and it's really gotten out of hand.
As long as it's not a performance-enhancing substance, I don't see a problem
with it. I'm not an expert, not the people who make rules. Rules are rules
we have to live by them."
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