The NFL has cleared Steelers linebacker James Harrison of any wrongdoing as a result of its investigation and interview of him following a report on the now-defunct Al-Jazeera America television network.
"The NFL found no credible evidence that Pittsburgh's James Harrison and Green Bay's Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers were provided with or used substances prohibited under the NFL-NFLPA Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances following a comprehensive investigation into allegations made in a documentary by Al-Jazeera America."
All three were interviewed last week at their respective team facilities. The NFL began its investigation in January after the Al-Jazeera report quoted a pharmacist, Charlie Sly, as telling an undercover reporter that he had supplied the players with performance enhancing drugs that the NFL has banned. Sly quickly recanted his assertions, saying he had lied, but the NFL insisted on pursuing it. The league threatened the players with suspensions if they did not agree to be interviewed and all three finally agreed.
The NFL said its investigation was led by league security and legal teams with "support from expert consultants and professionals."
"The investigation involved witness interviews, a review of relevant records and other materials, electronic research, and laboratory analysis and review," according to the statement released by the NFL exonerating the trio.
Harrison, who has been adamant he never has taken illegal PEDs and took a sworn affidavit to that effect, enters his 14th NFL season. He was selected the NFL's defensive player of the year in 2008, picked twice as All-Pro and made five Pro Bowls.
