News

Steelers LB James Harrison Demands Roger Goodell Come To Him For PED Interview

James Harrison has stated he is willing to meet with NFL investigators in order to discuss his link to performance-enhancing drugs, according to an Al-Jazeera America report, but the Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker has a few conditions for the interview.

Steelers LB James Harrison Demands Roger Goodell Come To Him For PED Interview

He made the statement via an Instragram post on Sunday, a post in which he said the interview must take place at his house (not in training camp as the league had previously planned), that Harrison gets to choose the date for the meeting, and that Commissioner Roger Goodell must attend.

Harrison, 38, also posted a copy of the league’s letter scheduling his interview for July 28, the day before the Steelers open camp in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Harrison and the NFL have been at odds over PED testing this offseason, with the Steelers star recording one test and being shut down from recording a second test. He still took the test off-camera, claiming he was told not cooperating would be treated the same as a positive result.

When asked by ESPN and Pro Football Talk for a response to Harrison’s post, the NFL declined comment. Harrison’s agent, Bill Parise, also declined comment to ESPN.

The December Al-Jazeera report alleged that Harrison was one among several NFL players to receive shipments of a new PED called Delta-2 from a man identified as a pharmacist.

Harrison denied the allegations. The pharmacist, Charlie Sly, has since recanted the story that was the centerpiece of the report, which also implicated retired quarterback Peyton Manning as a recipient of HGH.

The league has also requested interviews with Green Bay Packers linebackers Julius Pepper and Clay Matthews and free agent Mike Neal, according to a letter obtained by ESPN on Friday. An NFL spokesman stated Monday that the league will meet with Manning as well.

In a statement responding to the letter Friday, the NFL Players Association said the league is trying to pressure the players into submission.

“The NFL has chosen to initiate an investigation of these players based upon now-recanted statements that appeared in an Al Jazeera report,” the NFLPA stated. “The NFLPA requested from the NFL any additional evidence supporting an investigation of the players; the NFL did not provide any such evidence, nor did they inform the NFLPA or the players that any such evidence exists.”

PHOTO: PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 30: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is introduced prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Heinz Field on November 30, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.

Recent Posts

Puka Nacua Heads To IR, Two Other Ram Offensive Lineman Injured In Loss At Detroit

To add insult to injury, Sean McVay announced on Monday that the Los Angeles Rams…

5 hours ago

Panthers Stand By Bryce Young After Benching Him For Andy Dalton

The Panthers named Andy Dalton as their new starting quarterback earlier this week, relieving 2023…

5 hours ago

Kirk Cousins Leads Second Half Atlanta Falcons Comeback Victory Against Philadelphia Eagles

Once known as the worst clutch quarterback in the NFL, Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins…

5 hours ago

Miami Dolphins Place Tua Tagovailoa On Injured Reserve After Concussion

On Tuesday, the Miami Dolphins placed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve with a concussion.…

1 day ago

Bears’ QB Caleb Williams Looks To Put Rough Start Behind Him

The Chicago Bears learned the hard way last week that not all wins are pretty.…

1 day ago

Daniel Jones Facing Immense Pressure From Giants Fanbase After Vikings Loss

Quarterback Daniel Jones has had to field multiple questions about negative Giants fans last week.…

1 day ago