On Wednesday, the NFL and NFLPA announced they had reached an agreement on changes to the league's Substances of Abuse (SOA) and the Performance Enhancing Substances Policy (PES) policies.
The new policies relaxed sanctions on THC use, which may come as a relief to several players. According to the updated rules, players can now have up to 350 ng/ml in their system without any punishments, a significant raise from the 150 ng/ml previously.
However, one change that caught many fans off-guard was the introduction of Fentanyl tests as part of the SOA policy. The league previously did not test for it but has added it among the substances that players could abuse. An excerpt in the new policy read:
"The Medical Director may test players in the Program for Fentanyl if clinically indicated. No discipline for a positive test. However, failing to comply with a mandatory meeting regarding Fentanyl will result in a $15,000 fine."
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
Fans on social media expressed their surprise over the NFL testing players for abusing Fentanyl:
Some fans were shocked that the league was testing players for Fentanyl but wasn't punishing them for a positive test:
"No discipline for a positive fent test?" - Wondered @yahcay
"What a joke" - Wrote @NotaRealR8RFan
"No discipline for positive fentanyl testing is wild." - Claimed @KennytheKing11
Why is the NFL testing players for Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a commonly used painkiller and is even prescribed to pregnant women to relieve pain during labor. However, it has gained notoriety for being the go-to adulterant for drug dealers, especially those dealing cocaine and Heroin.
Due to its potency, dealers often lace their drugs with Fentanyl. However, its strength also makes it addictive and fatal even in small doses. Fentanyl-related deaths have been rising with each passing year, with several celebrities also falling prey to the drug.
However, its effectiveness as a pain reliever could prompt a physician to prescribe it to an athlete or the player to obtain it illicitly. But given how dangerous it could be, the NFL wants to ensure that any player who tests positive for Fentanyl is clued into what they are using.
Due to its widespread use as an analgesic and anesthetic, the league deems it unnecessary to punish players if they test positive for Fentanyl.