The NFL has rejected accusations that its teams routinely ignored federal laws regulating the use and distribution of addictive prescription painkillers. “The NFL clubs and their medical staffs are all in compliance with the Controlled Substances Act. The NFL clubs and their medical staffs continue to put the health and safety of our players first, providing all NFL players with the highest-quality medical care. The issue of prescription drugs and their widespread use has roiled the NFL for some years. A survey of more than 600 former NFL players by Washington University in St Louis in 2011 found that 52% used opioids during their careers, while 71% admitted to misuse.

Source: The Guardian March 10, 2017 17:15 UTC