Ephedrine is a popular diet supplement that was taken by a majority of league players until the ban. It is an over-the-counter dietary supplement and is not regulated by

. Because of this Upshaw is working on a solution to the problem. His office is working on finding a few manufacturers to produce supplements for the NFL players that would be within the guidelines of the league (Blackistone, Kevin). Since the FDA won’t make companies list all ingredients in supplements, the NFL feels this may be the only way to know for sure.

A handful of players have been suspended for four games after they unknowingly took nutritional supplements that included ephedra because the ingredients in the supplement weren’t listed on the label (Cobb, Mike). “This stuff is in so many different things,” said NFLPA chief Gene Upshaw.

I understand that performance enhancing supplements and illegal drugs are two different issues. Because the NFL bans both illegal drugs and ephedrine-based dietary supplements, the league should have equal punishment for both offenses.

The policy should be changed. An over-the-counter supplement should not warrant a stiffer penalty than an illegal drug. An ordinary citizen caught with an illegal drug will be taken to jail and will receive punishment even for a first time offense. Yet, in the NFL players are given a slap on the wrist. This double standard cannot continue to go on. We can only hope that the league and the union will come to an agreement this off-season to randomly test for all banned substances, illegal drugs and dietary supplements, and issue an equal disciplinary action.

However, experts say the use of ephedrine may lead to heart attack or stroke. Ephedrine can deplete the body of water and may potentially cause heat stroke for a person involved in strenuous activity. But still millions of Americans use it every day, as did many of the NFL players prior to the ban. “The majority of the league uses supplements in one form or another,” New York Jets center Kevin Mawae said (Ephedra ban opens debate…).

the Food and Drug Administration. Ephedrine gives players a boost in workout energy, prolongs workouts and helps control appetites. It is also a stimulant that elevates weight loss, body building, and energy enhancement (Cobb, Mike). Two years ago, ephedra was openly downed before and after practices by numerous players (Briggs, Bill). The New York Giants’ trainer estimated that 40 of his teams’ 53 players used it (Briggs, Bill).

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