Players in doping investigation cleared

NEW YORK — NFL stars James Harrison, Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers can start the regular season without having the specter of a league investigation over whether they used performance-enhancing drugs hanging over their heads. The NFL cleared all three players Wednesday, saying there was “no credible evidence” the players were guilty of any of the claims made in a documentary by Al-Jazeera America in January. An NFL statement said “the investigation involved witness interviews, a review of relevant records and other materials, electronic research, and laboratory analysis and review.” The league threatened Harrison, Matthews, Peppers and free agent Mike Neal with indefinite suspensions if they did not meet with investigators. All of them were mentioned in an Al-Jazeera television interview with Charlie Sly, who worked as an intern at an anti-aging clinic. In the December report, Sly made claims of PED use by several athletes, including Harrison, Peyton Manning and the three others, but later recanted his claims. NFLPA attorney Heather McPhee sent a letter to the NFL earlier this month of accusing it of trying to “bully and publicly shame” Harrison without offering evidence beyond a brief mention in the Al-Jazeera interview. McPhee’s letter said Harrison would meet with the NFL on Aug. 30 at the team’s facility, and would only discuss the portion of the Al-Jazeera interview that mentioned the 14-year veteran. The five-time Pro Bowl linebacker initially insisted NFL commissioner Roger Goodell come to Harrison’s house to conduct the interview in person, though he later backed off. Harrison eventually met with the NFL before the league-mandated deadline, as did Matthews and Peppers. Harrison tweaked the findings of the investigation on Twitter and Instagram late Wednesday. “It’s only breaking news cause you thought I was guilty,” Harrison tweeted. “I have my father’s name and I have WORKED for EVERYTHING I have since DAY ONE.” Brown getting ready for opener Arizona wide receiver John Brown may not be ready for their NFL season opener against the New England Patriots on Sept. 11 as he is still recovering from a concussion, local media reported Wednesday. Brown suffered the concussion on July 31 and was sidelined for several weeks. He returned to practice last week but has been dealing with recurring headaches. “I’m just taking it one day at a time,” Brown told The Arizona Republic. “My focus right now is just being able to practice, just being able to get through a full practice.” Arizona are coming off a successful season that saw them win the NFC West and reach the NFC Championship game. That was in no small part due to Brown’s deep threat. He finished second on the team with 65 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns.