Brown has successful appeal of PED case
Testing positive for banned substance result of tainted meat
Texans offensive tackle Duane Brown has won an appeal of a 10game suspension by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Brown faced a 10-game suspension last season for testing positive for clenbuterol — which is on the league’s list of banned substances — but won his appeal, which was based on eating too much meat during a trip to Mexico. (Brown’s potential suspension and appeal were first reported by ESPN.com.)
After the NFL informed him that he had tested positive and would be suspended for 10 games, Brown filed an appeal that was handled by the NFL Players Association.
Brown, who declined comment Tuesday through his publicist, said in his appeal that he unknowingly ingested the drug during a trip to Mexico for vacation during the bye week (Nov. 8).
Brown, who is recovering
from surgery to repair a torn quad tendon and is hoping to be ready for the start of the season, insisted he had eaten meat that contained the banned substance. The union submitted evidence, and the independent arbitrator agreed. E SPN.c om r e port e d Brown’s appeal included receipts for 10 hamburgers and two steaks during his trip to Baja California.
After the ruling, the union sent this warning to players Tuesday:
“WARNING: CONTAMINATED MEAT.
“There is some evidence that some meat produced in China and Mexico may be contaminated with clenbuterol, an anabolic agent which is banned by the NFL Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances.
“Consuming large quantities of meat while visiting those particular countries may result in a positive test for clenbuterol in violation of the Policy. Players are warned to be aware of this issue when traveling to Mexico and China. Please take caution if you decide to consume meat, and understand that you do so at your own risk.”
Brown is tested regularly after being suspended for four games in 2010 for taking a banned substance.
Agent Kennard McGuire said Brown is relieved the ordeal is over.
“I’m excited for Duane,” McGuire said. “It’s a huge burden that has been removed from him.
“This is landmark for the NFLPA. We applaud them for their effort and support. This sets precedence but also creates awareness. While I understand the desire for real information, I am concerned about the narrative of personal information being disclosed.”
Clenbuterol is described as a stimulant that can increase aerobic capacity and is popular as a weight-loss drug.
It’s also prescribed for treatment in horses. The United States Drug Administration has banned the “administration of clenbuterol to any animal that could be used for human consumption.”