including allegations made by Charlie Sly, who worked as an intern at an anti-aging clinic, about the use of PEDs by several athletes, including the four linebackers. Sly later recanted his claims. Retired quarterback Peyton Manning was also cited in the report, but theNFLcleared him after a separate investigation in which the Broncos star granted interviews and provided all records sought by league investigators.
Birch, in his letter, said the league has made “at least seven attempts” to arrange interviews with the linebackers. The players have refused to be interviewed without being presented with what they’ve called credible evidence. Affidavits were sent by the NFLPA on behalf of the players, but Birch dismissed each as statements “wholly devoid of any detail.”
Harrison said in his statement, sent to Birch on July 25 by the NFLPA, that he never met nor communicated with the source of the Al Jazeera report and has never violated the NFL’spolicy on performance-enhancing substances.
“Neither the CBA nor the policy state that a player must agree to an in-person interview based upon random, baseless verbal remarks or face discipline for a failure to cooperate with a league investigation,” union attorney Heather McPhee wrote then on Harrison’s behalf.
Birch cited Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreement in noting the discipline that can come for noncooperation or obstruction.
“We cannot accept your unilateral assertion that the cursory, untested statements you have submitted satisfy the players’ obligation,” Birch wrote.
Harrison said Tuesday that he didn’t get a chance to read the letter sent to him by the league and that he is following the advice of union attorneys.
“I’ll do what I have to do, they’ll do what they have to do and we’ll make that decision when the time comes,” Harrison said. “I’m just doing what I’m advised to do. It’s the right thing to do.”
