James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers of the Green Bay Packers, were cleared Wednesday, August 31, 2016 of claims in an Al-Jazeera report that they were provided with prohibited substances. This development comes after the NFL had already cleared Peyton Manning of similar accusations made in the same report that the former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback had received or taken prohibited substances.
It also comes after the NFL a few weeks ago threatened to suspend the three players (as well as free agent Mike Neal) if they did not answer the league’s questions within 10 days. Prior to that, the NFLPA had sent affidavits on behalf of the players to substitute for actual interviews, which the NFL senior vice president of labor policy and league affairs had described as “cursory, untested statements . . . submitted to satisfy the players’ obligation.” The three players cleared met with the league in the last week, while Mike Neal (who has not been cleared) also met with investigators.
According to a statement released by the NFL, “[t]he investigation involved witness interviews, a review of relevant records and other materials, electronic research, and laboratory analysis and review.” After the investigation, the league found “no credible evidence” that the three players “were provided with or used substances prohibited under [the league’s drug policy.]”
The claims the allegations were based on had been made by former Guyer Institute pharmacist Charles Sly. However, Sly later disavowed his statements, explaining in a follow-up email that he “was in no state of mind” to be making such assertions because he was grieving the death of his fiancé.