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DEA surprises NFL with prescription drug inspections

By Aileen Graef
The NFL, led by Commissioner Roger Goodell, is being investigated after players allege they were given painkillers to mask injuries and minimize game time loss. UPI/Dennis Van Tine
The NFL, led by Commissioner Roger Goodell, is being investigated after players allege they were given painkillers to mask injuries and minimize game time loss. UPI/Dennis Van Tine | License Photo

NEW YORK, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- The Drug Enforcement Administration surprised the NFL with inspections of the teams' medical staffs Sunday to monitor the handling of prescription painkillers.

The DEA launched the inspection to concerns that a man transporting drugs across state lines. According to its rules, doctors in the NFL are only allowed to prescribe and issue painkillers in the facilities where they are registered.

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"DEA agents are currently interviewing NFL team doctors in several locations as part of an ongoing investigation into potential violations of the Controlled Substances Act," said DEA spokeman Rusty Payne.

Multiple teams confirmed they were hit with the inspections including the San Francisco 49ers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks.

"Our teams cooperated with the DEA today and we have no information to indicate that irregularities were found," said NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy.

A lawsuit from May and representing players from 1968 say they were misinformed about their injuries while being prescribed painkillers to cover their injuries and minimize lost game time.

"If the DEA is looking at you, they've got a reason to," said the attorney for the players Mel Owens. "They're looking for people who break the law, not people who are following the law."

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