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

Baker Mayfield Agrees To 3-Year Extension With Bucs

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to a 3-year, $165 million deal.…

17 hours ago

Michigan Hail Mary Win Shadowed By Game Clock Decision

For the final play of the game, while trailing 12-7, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood sailed…

17 hours ago

Frances Tiafoe Comes Back From 2 Sets Down, Comforts A Crying Alex Michelsen

Frances Tiafoe has done it again at the US Open and comes back from two…

17 hours ago

Ben Shelton Gets His Big Win In Latest Finish At US Open

Ben Shelton won the biggest match of his life, finally beating Carlos Alcaraz, whom he…

17 hours ago

‘Best Player In The World’ Aaron Judge Makes His Return To The Yankees

Aaron Judge has made his long-awaited return from injury to help the New York Yankees…

17 hours ago

Chicago Bears Legend Matt Suhey Dies At 68

Chicago Bears legend and former fullback Matt Suhey passed away this weekend. Suhey was part…

2 days ago