Former Lineman Details Drug Use in NFL

Former NFL lineman Dana Stubblefield provided information on use of performance-enhancing drugs to federal investigators as part of a plea deal on BALCO-related charges, the New York Times reported Feb. 7.

The investigation into BALCO, which prosecutors say provided illicit drugs to baseball star Barry Bonds and others, led to Stubblefield’s conviction on charges of lying to investigators. He was sentenced to two years’ probation and fined $5,000; the relatively lenient sentence was based on Stubblefield’s cooperation with authorities.

Stubblefield, a former All Pro who retired in 2003, said in a 2006 interview that 30 percent of all NFL players use human growth hormone. Stubblefield gave investigators information on players, trainers, and others involved in “activities with illegal drugs in professional football,” according to court papers.

Stubblefield was the only NFL players to be charged as part of the probe of BALCO. He admitted in 2003 that he lied to investigators about his use of the blood-boosting drug EPO and the steroid THG. Seven other players also were interviewed by federal investigators.