SPORTS Chat: DEA surprise NFL Inspections to violations of federal drugs laws

In an unprecedented move the DEA has staged surprise NFL inspections reported ESPN nov. 16, 2014. The U.S. federal Drug Enforcement Administration conducted surprise inspections on Sunday which targeted the medical and training staffs of visiting NFL teams. The DEA wanted to determine whether there were any violations of federal drug laws which govern the handling and distribution of prescription painkillers.

These inspections by the DEA were motivated by allegations which were raised in a May 2014 federal lawsuit which was filed on behalf of several established NFL players. These players alleged NFL team physicians and trainers routinely gave them painkillers in what was an illegal manner in order to mask injuries and keep them playing. DEA spokesperson Rusty Payne has said DEA agents have been interviewing NFL team doctors in various locations as part of an ongoing investigation into possible violations of the Controlled Substances Act.

It was acknowledged by spokesmen for the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers that DEA agents showed up to inspect their medical staffs after their games on Sunday. These were random checks of team physicians in order to determine if anyone has been transporting controlled substances across state lines. The DEA is responsible under the Controlled Substances Act for ensuring that registrants who possess, prescribe and dispense controlled substances are abiding by the law.

The inspections entailed bag searches and questioning of team doctors by

Administration agents reports washington post The inspections were based on suspicion that NFL teams have been dispensing drugs illegally in order to keep players on the field which is a violation of the Controlled Substances Act. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the teams cooperated with the DEA and there was not any information to indicate that irregularities were found.