COMMISSIONER OF NFL AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION OFFER VIEWS ON STEROID BILL

Washington, May 19, 2005 - "I am grateful to the commissioners and to the directors of the players association for providing their frank assessments of H. R. 1862, the Drug Free Sports Act," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee, and author of H.R. 1862.  "I will carefully consider this input and I will take a close look at my legislation before proceeding with its consideration in my subcommittee.  However, I strongly believe that professional sports need a uniform testing standard and tougher penalties for steroid use."

The hearing concluded today with the testimony of NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Executive Director of the NFL Players Association Gene Upshaw.  Their counterparts in professional baseball, basketball, soccer, and hockey testified the previous day.  Although all of these witnesses expressed various levels of concern with H.R. 1862, Commissioner Selig, MLB, and Commissioner Stern, NBA, offered qualified support for H.R. 1862.

The witnesses today expressed reservations over H.R. 1862.  Tagliabue stated, "We believe that the bill, at least insofar as it relates to the NFL, is unnecessary."  He later noted, "If the Subcommittee determines nonetheless to proceed with legislation, we would urge that it do so deliberately."  Upshaw criticized the legislation in a number of areas, including the tougher penalties.  "Although the penalties proposed by H.R. 1862 for a positive test may be appropriate for Olympic competition occurring every two or four years; they are not suitable for professional football."

"Since I held the first hearing on this issue and offered legislation, we have seen new movement toward eliminating steroids in sports," said Stearns.  " I am encouraged by this, but I will continue to proceed with this legislation, including bringing it up for approval in this subcommittee in the next week or so."