The NFL has guidelines in play to assure that players who do not abide by the PED policy regulations are dealt with.
To provide players and spectators with a fair game, the NFL sets rules into place.
One of those sets of rules regards the use of performance-enhancing drugs, otherwise known as the PED policy.
Per the aforementioned policy, exogenous testosterone, as well as anabolic or androgenic steroids, are prohibited.
The rules go for players, coaches, athletic trainers, and agents who work with the NFL.
When it comes to performance-enhancing drugs; supplying, using, or encouraging use is forbidden.
The league hones in on violators by acquiring urine samples that are either randomized or scheduled.
PED testing and guidelines differ from the recreational drug policy, often referred to as the RDP policy.
Due to the legalization of marijuana across various states, the league adjusted it's RDP policy to reflect the changing times.
Every year between April 20 and August 9, the NFL does not test for marijuana and recreational drugs.
When a player, coach, trainer, or agent tests positive for steroids or any other PED, the violator is met with one of a few consequences.
For first-time offenders, the athlete has to go through the NFL's drug program.
A second-time violator is fined for two games, a third time warrants a four-game fine.
After the third time, the punishment heads towards suspension.
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A fourth-time offender is suspended for four games.
If an athlete or football professional is caught for the fifth time, they are suspended for 10 games.
Meanwhile, an athletic official who breaks the PED a sixth time is met with suspension for up to an entire year.
However, if players or officials fail the PED during the NFL's off-season, they are required to attend a drug rehab program prior to the start of the next season.
Football figures who want to plead the unjustness of a violation can appeal to the league's commissioner, Roger Goodell.
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