NFL clears three players in PED probe

The NFL has cleared three of the four active players targeted in its performance-enhancing drug probe, the league announced Wednesday.

The league found no credible evidence Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison or Green Bay Packers linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers were provided with or used substances prohibited by the performance-enhancing drug policy.

An investigation into the fourth player, free-agent linebacker Mike Neal, remains ongoing. All four players submitted to interviews last week after months of delays as the union pushed back at the league’s ability to compel players to speak.

“Initiated in January, the investigation was led by the NFL’s security and legal teams with support from expert consultants and other professionals,” the league said in a media release. “The investigation involved witness interviews, a review of relevant records and other materials, electronic research, and laboratory analysis and review.”

The allegations first were raised in an Al Jazeera America documentary, The Dark Side, in December. The league previously cleared retired quarterback Peyton Manning, citing no credible evidence.

Source: MSN Sports