Why Hollis Thomas is being suspended (1 Viewer)

[bclemms]

This is the list of banned substances from the NFLPA website.

I. Anabolic/Androgenic Steroids (cont’d) Generic Name Brand Names (Examples)

Oxandrolone Anavar, Lonovar

http://www.nflpa.com/pdfs/RulesAndRegs/ProhibitedSubstances.pdf

Oxandrolone (Oxandrin) is an anabolic steroid created by Searle Laboratories under the trademark Anavar, and introduced into the US in 1964. It is taken orally, and unlike other steroids delivered in this manner, most of which are Class II steroids, the majority of its effects are due to reaction with the androgen receptor. In sufficient dosage, Oxandrolone is highly likely to bind well with the receptor, and is therefore a Class I steroid, while having few other side-effects.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anavar

I know the arguments but the drug is on the list and there are other alternative drugs available that are not on the list.

Asthma medications not on banned list.
Xolair
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xolair
Acculate, Singular and Zyflo along with many others. http://www.webmd.com/content/article/72/81609.htm#stabilizers

I also understand the arguments by Hollis Thomas, The Saints, doctors and the fans.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are some of the most important treatment options for people with asthma. They prevent asthma attacks and work by reducing swelling and mucus production in the airways. As a result, airways are less sensitive and less likely to react to asthma triggers.

The main types of anti-inflammatory drugs are corticosteroids (inhaled and oral), mast cell stabilizers, and the leukotriene modifier drugs.
Inhaled Corticosteroids

Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective medications to reduce airway inflammation and mucus production. The use of these medicines leads to:

Better asthma control
Fewer symptoms and flare-ups
Reduced need for hospitalization
Note that Inhaled steroids prevent symptoms, they do not relieve symptoms. Dosages vary and they need to be taken everyday for best results. Some results are seen in one to three weeks, with the best results after three months of daily use.

Inhaled corticosteroids include:

Advair (a combination medication that includes a corticosteroid plus a long acting bronchodilator drug)
Aerobid
Azmacort
Flovent
Pulmicort
Qvar
Inhaled corticosteroids come in three forms: the metered dose inhaler (MDI), dry powder inhaler (DPI) and nebulizer solutions.

Inhaled corticosteroids have very few side effects, especially at lower doses. It is rare, but if you are taking higher doses, thrush (yeast infection in the mouth) and hoarseness may occur. Rinsing the mouth, gargling after each use and using a spacer device with metered dose inhalers will help prevent these side effects. Thrush is easily treated with an anti-fungal mouthwash.

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/72/81609.htm


The NFL has a list that all athletes must obey or they will be suspended. There is a 0 tolerance rule and the NFL has stated this on numerous occasions. There are also other drugs that treat Asthma and are not on the banned substance list. However, there are NO ALTERNATIVE DRUGS THAT ARE AS EFFECTIVE as the corticosteroids that the league has banned. This is a big grey area and I'm sure it will become a big discussion in the offseason.

What bugs me most about this whole ordeal is the NFL. They were the first to attach themselves to Hollis Thomas and his charitable work with kids that suffer from Asthma. They promoted him for giving kids hope and now that he has failed the drug test for treating his LIFE THREATENING DISEASE they have suspended him and distanced themselves from the story.

Unfortunately he is out for the rest of the season and I highly doubt anything will change that. However, he may be the reason some rules are changed regarding the steroid policy in the offseason.

NFLPA, Rules and Regulations: Steroid Policy
http://www.nflpa.com/RulesAndRegs/SteroidPolicy.aspx

 

[daguirre84]

Man now that's some research!!!

 

[SaintlyAgenda]

thanks for the information

 

[SaintJ]

Great post and, IMO, worthy of its own thread despite my usual hatred of people starting unnecessary threads.

 

[Andrus]

Good Job, Brandon. :tup2:

 

[DavidM]

Good info, bc.

I asked in the other thread but will pose it here -- with a four game suspension, doesn't that mean he's violated the policy once already? If fact, does anybody know the details -- was it for the same? Or does a first positive steroid test result in a four game suspension?

 

[Saint Droopy]

OK... it's CONSPIRACY time...

The NFL did this before the Cowboys game because the league doesn't like the Saints!

:dunno:

We'll have to move on without him Bro. Time for those young bucks to earn their stripes. Good thing we have a few days to get them ready. So Lake, Leisle, B. Young... time to lace'em up!

 

[NewOrleansFan]

Nice research

 

[Random Fan]

Thank you for the most rational and thorough post on this subject.

 

[Random Fan]

Good info, bc.

I asked in the other thread but will pose it here -- with a four game suspension, doesn't that mean he's violated the policy once already? If fact, does anybody know the details -- was it for the same?

First time offense is 4 games. You can look at the links to the .pdf files on the monster thread.

 

[bclemms]

I know it has been said that he tested positive for steroids (asthma medication) and it has also been reported that he was suspended for weight loss medication. If it was weight loss medication it could range from many different things like Class 2 controlled substances like Adipex down to Mini Thins that contain ephedra and can be purchased at most gas stations. There is also a common drug used by athletes that can be used for Asthma, weight loss and an increase in physical performance. This is one of the substances that Lance Armstrong was accused of using. It is also commonly used by body builders when they are coming off a cycle of steroids to decrease chances of non muscle weight gain and increase oxygen in the bloodstream allowing for better endurance, increased energy and an increase in protein breakdown allowing for faster muscle recovery and increase in muscle gains. This substance is called Clenbuterol. Here is a write up I found on it from wikipedia.

Clenbuterol is a chemical commonly prescribed to sufferers of breathing disorders as a decongestant and bronchodilator. People with chronic breathing disorders like asthma use this as a bronchodilator to make breathing easier. It is most commonly available in salt form as clenbuterol hydrochloride.

Contents [hide]
1 Effects and Dosage
2 Veterinary use
3 Food contamination
4 Legal status
5 References
6 Links



[edit] Effects and Dosage
Clenbuterol is a β2 adrenergic agonist with some similarities to ephedrine, but its effects are more potent and longer-lasting as a stimulant and thermogenic drug. It causes an increase in aerobic capacity, CNS stimulation, and an increase in blood pressure and oxygen transportation. It increases the rate at which fat and protein is used up in the body at the same time as slowing down the storage of glycogen. It is commonly used for smooth muscle relaxant properties. These mean that it is a bronchodilator, and tocolytic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clenbuterol

 

[Guitarzan]

Excellent job goes out to BC
posted elsewhere but relevant:
Hollis Thomas will be the poster boy for adjustments to the league's policy on medically necessary meds being waived per individual player circumstances. there are other remedies but none more effective for Hollis than his current regimen.
There may not be anything that can be done to stop this at this point but in the off-season there should be something done. If and when it gets doen Hollis and the Saints should be exonerated and compensated. Hollis Thomas would not be out of his rights to seek civil justice and I would be happy to see the NFL being punished for this.

 

[bclemms]

Thanks for the kind replies. I usually don't agree with starting seperate threads but this is a lot of info that would just get lost in a 20 page thread.

 

[Pleading the Fif]

That list is amazing. I can't believe they ban diuretics. Diuretics are the first line medication most physicians use to treat high blood pressure. Idiotic if you ask me.