NFL Announces PED, Substance Abuse Policy Rule Changes with Reduced Fines, More

The NFL and NFLPA announced Wednesday they agreed to modifications of the substances of abuse policy (SOA) and performance enhancing substance policy (PES) following several months of discussions.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero shared the modifications:

The following were among the changes for the SOA:

• THC level for a positive increased from 150 ng/ml to 350
• Fines reduced for positive tests 
• Fines for a second missed test changed from a one-game fine to $45,000
• Can test for fentanyl if clinically indicated but no discipline for a positive test other than a potential $15,000 fine if players miss a mandatory meeting about fentanyl

The following were among the changes for the PES:

• Extended testing windows from time of notification
• "Suspended players under some circumstances will be reinstated after a suspension (and therefore get paid) even if they still test positive."

There also seemed to be a stricter approach to posting testing-related materials to social media:

Players in the past have posted their notifications that they needed to take a drug test after impressive games or plays.

Former NFL punter and current media personality Pat McAfee reacted to that portion of the changes:

These changes were announced with just five more weeks remaining in the 2024 regular season.

While fans likely won't notice the changes as they cheer for their favorite teams in the pursuit of a Super Bowl, the players now have procedural differences to account for in regards to multiple policies moving forward.