Jets' Bell rips NFL for 5th test
Le'Veon Bell is throwing a flag on the NFL's drug testing policy. The New York Jets running back says Wednesday is upset he has been randomly selected five times this season by the league to take tests for performance-enhancing drugs. "I done had 5 'random' HGH blood test in 10 weeks," Bell tweeted. "(at) NFL I'm not doing another after today, whatever y'all lookin for it obviously ain't there." Bell doubled down on his Twitter comment after practice, saying it's "getting weird" and reiterating that he will not take additional tests this season — although he stopped short of saying the league is "targeting" him with the testing. "I'm not going to say all that," Bell said in the locker room. "I'm just saying I'm not doing it no more. They're not getting no more of my blood. They can use the blood they've got right now." The random drug testing is part of a collectively bargained policy between the NFL and NFL Players Association. An independent administrator determines via a computer program which players are tested each week. "Is it random, though?" Bell said. "Why do I feel like every time they're here doing the HGH testing, I get picked?" Per NFL rules, players with no previous violations of the policy on performance enhancers won't be tested more than six times in a calendar year.
Browns' Garrett awaits ruling
Myles Garrett looked composed and casual, a stark contrast to the last time he was seen in public. Stylishly dressed in a bright blue suit and black turtleneck, the Cleveland Browns' star defensive end met Wednesday with an appeals officer in
New York in hopes of getting a reduction to an indefinite NFL suspension that has temporarily ended Garrett's season and tarnished his career. Garrett was banned last week for the rest of the regular season and playoffs, if Cleveland makes them, for striking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph with a helmet. Garrett appealed and his case was heard by league-appointed officer James Thrash, a former NFL player, who will either lessen the penalty or put a definitive number of games on it. The former No. 1 overall draft pick spent roughly two hours in the league's Manhattan offices before leaving with his representatives. He did not speak to the media. In the closing seconds of the Browns' 21-7 victory over the rival Steelers on Thursday night, Garrett wrestled Rudolph to the ground before they scuffled. P ittsburgh's QB unsuccessfully tried to rip off Garrett's helmet before the two got to their feet. That's when Garrett yanked off Rudolph's helmet, swinging it and connecting with the top of the QB's head. Rudolph avoided injury and was not suspended despite his attempt to grab Garrett's helmet or charging at him. On Wednesday, Rudolph, who likely will be fined for his involvement, said he doesn't begrudge Garrett. "I have no ill will toward Myles Garrett, great respect for his ability as a player and I know if Myles could go back he would handle the situation differently," Rudolph told reporters in Pittsburgh after reading a prepared statement. "As for my involvement last week, there is no acceptable excuse. The bottom line is I should have done a better job keeping my composure in that situation.''