The NFL and the NFL Players Association have come to an agreement on more relaxed rules around the league's policies on the abuse of drugs and the use of performance enhancing substances.
"Last week, we reached agreement with the NFL on several beneficial changes to the policies," an NFLPA memo obtained by CBS Sports reads. The changes will be effective as of Dec. 6, according to a source.
The new rules will ensure that teams are informed of what substance was abused in every case, reduce fines, increase the limit on allowable THC and lower fines associated with a violation. Players will also have a longer window for completing a test once they have been notified. Previously, they needed to be tested within three hours of being notified. Now, if a player is notified before morning activities, they'll have until the beginning of afternoon activities.
CBS reported that previously a first violation led to a fine of a half-game's paycheck, a whole game for a second violation and two games for a third violation. Now, there's a $15,000 fine for a first violation and a $20,000 fine for a second. Not until the third violation is there a fine of one game check.
Players may now be tested for fentanyl "if clinically indicated." There will be no discipline for a positive test, but "failing to comply with a mandatory meeting regarding fentanyl will result in a $15,000 fine."
Players will also be fined if they are caught posting details of the collection process to social media.
