DENVER, Colorado (AFP) — At least 10 National Football League players, including two playing in Sunday's regular-season game being staged in London, have tested positive for a banned diuretic, according to US reports.
Denver television station KDVR reported that several NFL players, including Deuce McAllister and Will Smith of the New Orleans Saints, tested positive for taking water pills that help weight loss but also mask the use of steroids.
ESPN reported that the number of players involved is more than 10 and possibly more than 15 and that several players have hired an attorney to represent them in the appeals process of doping suspensions.
A four-game suspension is imposed upon NFL players for their first steroid policy violation. NFL rules and regulations are not the same as most global sports governed by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Players can appeal any suspension to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Smith and McAllister, whose Saints will face San Diego at London's Wembley Stadium on Sunday, are among those who tested positive for Bumetanide, according to the Denver report, which cited an unidentified NFL source.
Some players were positive for another banned substance, the report said.
Bumetanide is used to treat fluid retention caused by liver, kidney or heart problems.
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