NFL Suspends Patriot for Using Banned Drugs

Harrison says growth hormones sped healing; he'll serve 4-game ban

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 1, 2007 6:52 PM CDT

(Newser) – The NFL has suspended Patriots safety Rodney Harrison for four games after he admitted to the commissioner that he used a banned substance. Harrison said in a conference call last night that the performance-enhancing drugs were not steroids and that he took them to "accelerate the healing process." ESPN identified the substance as human growth hormone.

Harrison, 34, has played just 13 games over the last two seasons because of injuries. His name surfaced in the course of a federal and state investigation into an online drug merchant that sells steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs. Dallas QB coach Wade Wilson and another unidentified NFL assistant coach are entangled in the same investigation.

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New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison catches a ball during training camp in Foxborough, Mass. Monday, July 30, 2007. The NFL will suspend Harrison four games for violating its substance abuse policy,... (Associated Press)

New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (37) takes a drink during practice at the football team's first day of mini-camp in Foxborough, Mass., Tuesday, June 5, 2007. Harrison is returning from a... (Associated Press)

New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison catches a pass before the start of the first session of the NFL football team's first day of training camp in Foxborough, Mass., Friday morning, July 27, 2007.... (Associated Press)

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NFL Suspends Patriot for Using Banned Drugs