OXNARD, Calif. – Vikings running back Adrian Peterson made some headlines this week with his comments on players using Human Growth Hormone and similar substances.
Peterson, who came back quicker than anyone could have predicted from major knee surgery to put together a spectacular 2012 season, was adamant that he never used illegal substances to get back to full strength. But he did say it's being used in the NFL
He said he's "clean as a whistle" and all in for HGH testing in the NFL. He looks forward to the day the testing will be widespread. Cowboys defensive tackle Jason Hatcher shares that opinion, though he's not as certain it's being used much in the sport.
"I think they're going to pass this thing here pretty soon to test for it," Hatcher said. "If they are (using), it's a shame. This game is hard enough. Why cheat? Go out there and bust your butt like everybody else and become a better player. Don't cheat."
Hatcher said the game should be played and won by players who worked hard to get to where they are, rather than those who use HGH to gain an advantage.
"This game is going to give you what you work for," Hatcher said. "Don't cheat nobody, man. It's a lot of guys out there busting their butt every day to be the best player they can be, and you go and dope and kick their butt. You think that's fair? I don't believe in that at all. I believe in hard work."
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Peterson, who miraculously ran for more than 2,000 yards soon after his recovery from ACL surgery, has heard suspicion about how he was able to do that. But he said he worked diligently to get to where he was and he looks forward to the day that testing occurs so the actual users can be brought to light.
"I've been hoping that they did this a long time ago, even out the playing field and make people be honest and truthful to themselves," Peterson said. "I can't wait until they draw my blood."
