Ex-NFL QB Brady Quinn thinks HGH use responsible for injury increase
After an injury-filled eighth week of NFL play, former NFL quarterback Brady Quinntold CBS Sports he thinks HGH use could be responsible for the uptick in injuries.
Quinn, who was the 22nd pick of the 2007 NFL draft, said he thinks using HGH makes players stronger but also more vulnerable to sustaining injuries.
“I’m not going to be a whistleblower and I’m not accusing anyone of anything,” Quinn said. “There’s got to be something these guys are taking. That’s what I think at least.”
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On Sunday, numerous players sustained season-ending injuries. Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell’s season ended with a torn MCL, and San Francisco 49ers running back Reggie Bush sustained a torn ACL. Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith and Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake are out with torn Achilles tendons. New Orleans Saints running back Khiry Robinson sustained a fractured tibia to end his year. San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen sustained a kidney injury, and there is no timetable for his return.
Even more players sustained injuries that weren’t season ending.
“I’m not accusing anyone,” Quinn said. “But I think the usage of of HGH or performance enhancing drugs or supplements is greater now than it’s ever been because the money is bigger now than it’s ever been and the punishment isn’t really that bad if you think about it.
“If you’re a top-of-the-line guy and you’re getting $16 million a year — you’re getting a million bucks a game — if you get popped for taking something that helps you get that big-time contract or hit that incentive in your contract where you get paid all of the sudden in your contract year, guess what? First [failed test], four-game [suspension]. Let’s talk about financially, ‘Am I going to sacrifice $4 million in order for me to get that big contract on the back-end? Yeah, I am.’”
Quinn said he believes 40% to 50% of players are taking some sort of performance enhancing drug.
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- Erin Flynn
