Major League Baseball is currently contemplating the use of a mass blood test that could detect, among other things, human growth hormone (aka HGH). The use of HGH has become a hot issue as of late after it was discovered that Rick Ankiel had received a 12-month supply of human growth hormone in 2004 from Signature Pharmacy. Jay Gibbons and Troy Glaus have also been linked to Signature Pharmacy.
The blood test was developed under the watchful eye of the World Anti-Doping Agency. It was used sparingly during the 2004 Summer Olympics and the 2006 Winter Games. The blood test will be available for mass use within months.
World Anti-Doping Agency science director had this to say about the use of HGH in the current sports landscape, "This is great news, because we strongly believe that human growth hormone is abused in sports."
Gary Green, an MLB consultant and UCLA doctor, said he had spoken to MLB commissioner Bud Selig who commented that he would be in favor of getting the blood test implemented. The only hiccup could come from the MLBPA and Union executive director Donald Fehr, who would have to be approve adding the blood test to the current drug testing program.
While Donald Fehr was unavailable for comment Gene Upshaw, NFLPA Head Rep, said, "There's no way I'm having my guys punched for a blood test every time they walk into a locker room."
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