James Harrison received a surprise Tuesday night when the NFL showed up at his house for a random performance-enhancing drug test, but was even more startled when he was told by the league he couldn't videotape it.
In a series of Instagram posts, the Steelers linebacker documented his encounter with the official who came to give the test, and appeared under the impression he was allowed to record the process. However, he was informed that would be a violation of NFL rules.
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The NFL confirmed to the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette that there are rules against recording PED testing.
“Both the league and NFLPA recognize that the collection protocols and procedures are designed to ensure the accuracy and identification of the specimens to be tested," NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said.
“To maintain the integrity of the protocols and protect against the possibility of manipulation of the process at the time or during future tests, the policy prohibits devices and other objects in the collection area or taking photographs or video of specific collections.
“There are a number of protections in place for both the player and collector to ensure that the protocols are properly followed. In addition to the multi-step verification of identity and confirmations of specimen and bottle integrity, the protocols expressly allow both the player and collector to note and report for investigation any perceived irregularity or deviation in the collection process.”