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)

Like
Like Love Haha Wow Sad Angry
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

50 Most-Infamous Athlete Mugshots: Raiders’ QB JaMarcus Russell Arrested For Possession Of Codeine Syrup In ’10

On July 5, 2010, former NFL quarterback JaMarcus Russell was arrested and charged with illegal…

2 days ago

Lane Kiffin’s Story About His Departure Contradicted By Ole Miss AD & Players

Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter and several players disputed former head coach Lane Kiffin's…

2 days ago

Eagles’ Jalen Carter To Miss Monday Clash With Chargers After Shoulder Procedure

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter will miss the team's Monday night clash against the…

2 days ago

Most-Infamous Athlete Mugshots: Dennis Rodman Charged With Battering Carmen Electra In ’99

On November 5, 1999, former NBA star Dennis Rodman was arrested and charged with simple…

3 days ago

Football Coach Travis Turner, Wanted By Police On Child Porn Charges, Disappears

A search is underway for Travis Turner, a Virginia high school football coach, who disappeared…

3 days ago

Giants’ Younghoe Koo Epic Whiff On Kick Symbolic Of Giants’ Woes

In a Monday night matchup between the Giants and the Patriots, Younghoe Koo had one…

3 days ago